A message from Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent

Our children are precious. 

It is simply devastating as educators, as parents, and as humans, to see the tragedy of the loss of young lives and educators. I extend my sympathy to the many families impacted by the tragedy that occurred today in Uvalde, Texas.

As adults in the lives of youth and children, we need to be aware and ready to provide support for questions that should not have to be asked.

Your student(s) may have heard the news about this tragedy today in some way, whether from the Internet, television, radio, adults or their friends. Here are a few suggestions for helping to make students feel safe in the wake of tragic events:

  • Turn off or monitor the television and Internet access. Endless news coverage is likely to heighten anxiety.
  • Maintain a normal routine.
  • Stick to facts. Answer questions factually.   
  • Remain calm and reassuring. Students take their cues from their parents and adults.
  • Be a good listener and observer. Pay attention to changes in behavior.
  • Take care of yourself. You are better able to help your students if you are coping well. If you are anxious or upset, your students are more likely to be so as well.

We should all be prepared to recognize the signs of trauma and grief related to tragic events such as what occurred in Uvalde, TX. Some specific resources that the Student and Community Services team has put together are below for you to reference and use. Our Student Services team will also be sending out additional resources later this afternoon directly to counselors and to teachers.

As a district, we have implemented a layered approach to safety and security of our campuses. This means we work to address many aspects of school safety to support our young people and staff while also proactively planning for unknown circumstances. For more information about our overall safety program please visit our website: https://www.lwsd.org/programs-and-services/safety. 

Our Online Tip Reporting System can help get information to those that can provide support and proactively intervene. Please encourage your students to report concerns to a trusted adult or anonymously through the Online Tip Reporting System. If you notice your child is having difficulty and/or a concerning emotional response to the events in Texas, our school teams are ready to support them. 

Additionally, we will continue to implement mental health supports for our students so that when they feel lost or hopeless, they have a place to turn for help. If your student needs additional support, please see the following in-school supports: 

  • Elementary school: School counselor or trusted adult
  • Middle school: School counselor, trusted adult, or on-site Youth Eastside Services specialist
  • High school: School counselor, trusted adult, or EvergreenHealth social worker

The following agencies in our area may also have availability should your family want to seek additional support:

  • Eastside Psychological Associates – 425.458.5048
  • Emmaus Counseling Center – 425.869.2664
  • The Evergreen Clinic – 425.825.9644
  • Lightheart Psychological Associates – 425.996.8592
  • Sound Health – 206.302.2300
  • Wellspring – 206.524.9055

Finally, the toll of these tragic events is something that is also felt by those that dedicate themselves to the care and education of our young people. Our district has an employee assistance program (accessible via our staff portal) that is available for employees to access when in need.

Over the next few days, it will be important that we all look after our children and each other. 

Respectfully,

Jon

Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent
Lake Washington School District

 

Additional Resources: