SchoolMessenger is a notification service used by the nation’s leading school systems to connect with parents, students and staff through voice, SMS text, email, and social media. 14erFF staff was notified via a SchoolMessenger email of Superintendent Blackburn’s response to the horrendous Uvalde school shooting in which 19 children and 2 teachers were killed. Allegedly, the killer was local high school student 18-year-old Salvador Ramos. He reportedly shot his 66-year-old grandmother before driving to Robb Elementary School armed with a handgun and two legally purchased rifles. Ramos was a very bad person intent on killing people. With little if any deterrence, the suspected gunman walked into the school building, entered a classroom, and opened fire.
“In Reflecting on Events in Uvalde – Safety at Salida Schools”
Dear Salida Families,
To begin–our hearts go out to victims and families in Texas today, after yesterday’s mass tragedy.
It causes all of us to reflect on our own world and our own fears. While there is no way to give 100% assurances to anyone, I can offer confidence that we are fully engaged in safety. I just left one school where an officer was available in minutes to help review a threat concern that staff were reviewing. Minutes before the police were able to respond to my request to have an officer present at an event this afternoon. Just prior to that I was sitting with a regional police leader reviewing areas we can improve. This morning I saw a police officer sitting in front of our schools, because their paperwork duties allowed them the ability to complete their paperwork and be present for the schools at the same time. Just yesterday I was in a principal’s office while they finished an investigation into a SafeToTell report. Staff are engaged in this work daily with police, following up on reports and rumors alike to be sure we are safe.
The key is that when you see something that seems amiss, you need to say something. If you are not sure how to make that report then use the SafeToTell network
- https://safe2tell.org/
- 877-542-7233
The SafeToTell report goes to the campus principal, counselor and Salida police simultaneously. We chase down reports and rumors alike until we are sure we understand the concern.
There is so much to celebrate at the end of another COVID year, and it is sad to end in tragedy. Make sure you are talking to your kids, and helping them process what they hear and are thinking about. Every individual child fully engaged by adults is the safest scenario. Reach out if you have needs.
Respectfully,
David Blackburn
Superintendent
719.530.5203
salidaschools.com
