Safety and wellbeing of our students in BVSD after this week’s events

Dear BVSD Families and Staff,

Yesterday, we watched in horror as another school shooting unfolded at a Colorado school – this time in our neighboring school district, Jeffco Public Schools, where two students were critically injured by a classmate. 

Today, those fears came to our district when a community member reported something they thought was suspicious near the Fairview High School/Southern Hills Middle School campus.

Both schools went into Lockdown, while nearby schools went into Secure. Thankfully, today, it was only a false alarm and BVSD students are safe.

We, however, recognize the impact these situations have on our students, at these schools and across the district.

Many of us remember the Columbine tragedy 26 years ago and unfortunately, there have been far too many incidents since. Students, staff and family are understandably shaken by these events – real and false alarms.

If you have a child in need of help, reach out to your school counselor or administrator. Additionally, as I’ve shared before, the tips provided by the National Association of School Psychologists can be very helpful: Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators.

As shown during today’s situation, the Boulder Valley School District takes each and every reported threat very seriously. We have a layered approach to security, including the Standard Response Protocol, physical measures and regular collaboration with law enforcement. Make sure you are aware of these practices and know your role during a crisis on our BVSD Be Ready Safety webpage.

Here in BVSD we continuously evaluate (and re-evaluate) our safety protocols. Sadly, as we have done far too many times before, we will be diligent in learning what we can from yesterday’s tragedy.

The number one most effective prevention strategy is for all of us to be alert and to report anything suspicious or concerning. We do not know the details in this case, but in many situations those involved have previously shared their intent with others.

If you See Something, Say Something, to a school administrator, law enforcement or through Safe2Tell – an anonymous way for students, parents, school staff and community members to report concerns regarding their safety or the safety of others.

Additionally, it is critically important that we keep firearms stored safely. We encourage everyone in BVSD to Be SMART.

SMART stands for:

Secure all guns in your home and vehicles
Model responsible behavior around guns
Ask about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes
Recognize the role of guns in suicide
Tell your peers to be SMART

Finally, I’ll echo the words from my Jeffco counterpart, Superintendent Tracy Dorland, following yesterday’s incident in Evergreen:

“I am heartbroken. And I am resolute. (Our) Schools will continue to do everything in our power to ensure our schools are safe places where students can learn, grow, and thrive, free from fear. But we cannot do it alone. Safety requires vigilance, partnership, and the unflinching belief that our children deserve better.”

Rob