Hello PSD Parents and Families,

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Nashville Covenant School community in Nashville, Tennessee, for their tragic loss last week.  Unfortunately, such acts of violence are difficult to comprehend or explain.

We realize some of our parents and students may be concerned about our school’s safety.  Some of our parents may be nervous and apprehensive about sending their students to school.  Some of our students may have anxiety around school safety and are apprehensive about coming to school. Building principals and school counselors are aware of this and are prepared to support.

With this in mind, we would like all our school stakeholders to understand that student safety is our highest priority.  We work daily to keep our schools safe and secure.  The Pendleton School District has many safety procedures in place, such as designated entrances and exits at our schools, safety drills and more. All of our buildings were designed with safety in mind.  All of our buildings have security cameras.  We work with our Pendleton Police Department and all our 1^st responders monthly to talk about school safety and minimize risks.  The safety of students and staff is the district’s top priority.

It may be helpful to speak with your child and review what their school does daily to keep them safe.

Here are a few things that parents can do to help their children through a stressful time like this:

• Limit access to social media.
• Talk with children if they have concerns and focus on what they can do.
• If you are uncomfortable sending your child to school in the wake of tragic events, work with your child’s school.
• If a student hears or becomes aware of others planning or talking of committing violent acts, they should report it to an adult immediately, or they can use the SafeOregon tip line at safeoregon.com. “If you hear something, say something.”
• If your child needs additional mental health support, reach out to your school counselor or family health provider.

This article from the Los Angeles Times has some good suggestions for talking to children about tragic events: How to Help Kids Get Through Unspeakable Horror

The school year is rapidly coming to a close. The Pendleton School District is committed to making the rest of this year as positive and supportive as possible for all students.

Thank you,

Kevin Headings
Superintendent
Every Student, Every Day.