Dear Gateway Families,
We are writing to you again on the heels of another mass shooting, one which hits particularly close to home having taken place in a school, Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. As educators and as parents, it is difficult to comprehend such horrific events. We feel closely connected to the children, teachers, and staff, families, and community who are so devastated by this loss of 14 innocent children and one teacher.
Please know that your child’s safety is our primary concern, and we will continue to work together to ensure they always find school to be a safe place for learning, laughter, and positive relationships with others. We have a detailed safety plan in place at both campuses and work closely with law enforcement throughout the year to make sure that staff, students and first responders are well-prepared to respond in the event of a number of emergency situations.
We are encouraging all adults to be present and hold space for each other and our young people in the days to come. We continue to have school counselors available at each school to help students, staff, and parents who may be having a difficult time coping with this tragedy.
There is no easy answer to untying the complex knot of gun violence in this country, but we thank you for joining in our shared work to make sure that every Gateway student is nurtured, loved, and lifted up to be the best version of themselves. In doing so, we believe they can lead the way to a better, less violent world.
In solidarity,
Sharon Olken