Our thoughts are with the students, families, staff and community in Bend, Oregon, as they grieve in the aftermath of a heartbreaking school shooting. Schools should be a place where students can learn, grow and discover. They should never be a place of tragedy. And yet there are too many examples of tragic incidents in schools.
Safety efforts in BGPS
Whenever something like this happens, people are often left wondering about the safety of their own schools. In Battle Ground, safety continues to be a top priority. Safety plans, drills, security staff, cameras, a reporting system, controlled entrances, partnerships with law enforcement and a standard response protocol are all part of our district’s efforts to keep students and staff safe. See more information. These measures are part of our ongoing commitment to protect our students and staff, and we continually review and strengthen our approach as new information and best practices emerge.
We also recognize that keeping our schools safe is a shared responsibility. Please remember that anyone can report a safety concern to a staff member or law enforcement. In addition, anyone can submit a tip through our reporting system and remain anonymous if they choose. Reporting concerns promptly is the best and most helpful action because it begins an investigation and helps to limit the potential for misinformation to spread.
Talking with children in the aftermath of a tragedy
News about an act of violence in a school can bring feelings of fear, anxiety or sadness for both students and adults. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support when needed. If a student needs support, please reach out to their school counselor or a school administrator.
Below are a few resources to help guide conversations with children about violence and tragic events:
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists)
Helping Students After a School Shooting (American School Counselor Association)
In moments like these, it is more important than ever to come together for the safety of our students, staff and schools. Please reach out if you need anything.