The events that unfolded at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, have impacted everyone in our nation. Our hearts break for those lost, and for the families and educators whose lives have been forever changed by the actions of one person.

 

In Clovis Unified, we feel deeply our responsibility to watch over the safety of our students and to surround them with caring, trustworthy adults.

 

We have extensive safety plans in place at every school, and we regularly conduct practice drills (including lock down, fire, facility alert and evacuation drills) so that our staff and students are very familiar with these procedures. We also have a trained team of sworn police officers in place in Clovis Unified to provide another line of defense to protect our schools. In addition, we collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to provide active shooter training to our school staffs and to ensure our safety plans reflect best practices for safety.

 

Following the tragedy in Texas this week, every element of our existing safety protocols are being evaluated to ensure they are relevant and reflect the most up-to-date best practices.

 

The attached Parent Bulletin contains a message from Superintendent Eimear O’Brien along with other information regarding Clovis Unified’s safety plans. School sites also have information available on their school’s safety procedures.

 

Learn more about Clovis Unified’s school safety protocols and brochure: https://www.cusd.com/SchoolSafety.aspx

 

Additional resources to help discuss this tragic news with your children include:

Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network – English/Spanish)  

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists)  

Helping Children Cope with Frightening News (Child Mind Institute)