Good afternoon!
Late yesterday afternoon, as the School Board, the two Assistant Superintendents and I were going into a Board Retreat to talk about District Goals for next year, I learned of the tragedy that was unfolding in Texas. As the clock ticked by in our meeting the news got exceedingly worse. It is gut wrenching and heartbreaking to read about, and watch on the news. As parents, it's our worst nightmare, and none of us can imagine the pain and heartbreak of the families that lost loved ones - mostly elementary school children - in the Uvalde, Texas community. Thoughts and prayers go out to each of them and for healing that may never come. Tragedies like this impact us all in so many different ways.
As Board members and educational leaders our minds immediately go to our responsibilities to insure the safety of our students and staff who attend and work in our schools and offices every day. A few of you have already reached out to the Board and me this morning about yesterday’s tragedy and wanting to know what we are doing to protect our children and staff. Others have reached out to express gratitude as former community Safety Committee members and participants in the work that has gone on “behind the scenes” to make our schools safer.
Of an immediate nature, there is a tremendous amount of support and resources that are available to support your student(s) and family as you cope with reading about another school shooting and community tragedy. School-based counselors are ready to talk with your student and you. Here is their contact information. There are numerous online resources to inform and advise on what you might want to do at home and you discuss the event. Here are a few of them:
National Association of School Psychologists Talking to Children about Violence
Pennsylvania Department of Education
· Managing Your Youth’s Emotions When You’re Stressed
· Crisis Response Resources
· School Safety
For the past eight and half years, Quakertown Community School District has placed safety as job one! School safety has been a significant part of Superintendent (District) Goals over that time period. Act 44 of Pennsylvania allows the Board and district to keep “our cards close to our chest” of the various projects and programs that we have implemented to keep everyone safe. I can assure you that we are doing exactly what you expect!
Again, thank you for your support. Please reach out and let us know what you are thinking and use the resources that are readily available to support you and your children.
Bill Harner
Superintendent
@BillHarner
[email protected]