Dear Monrovia Unified School District Parents and Families,
On behalf of the Board of Education, it is with great sadness that I write to you about yesterday’s devastating shooting at a Texas elementary school in which multiple children and adults were killed. Our hearts grieve for these innocent lives lost and the tragic impact on their loved ones and the community.
We understand this tragedy may impact our students, staff and families. Children may have questions, and/or feel the need to talk about what happened. We have put together some resources that will be helpful during this difficult time.
Please know that safety at our schools is our highest priority. We would like to remind everyone that each of our schools have safety procedures in place that are reviewed and updated annually. We proudly maintain a strong partnership with the Monrovia Police Department (MPD) to maintain the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff and employ a full-time School Resource Officer who serves as liaison to the department and its ample resources. While there are no active threats to our schools, out of an abundance of caution, MPD will increase patrols around them.
As always, we do ask for your help by being vigilant. If you, your student, or anyone else hears anything that is concerning, please say something. We urge you to contact your school’s principal, the school district office, or MPD at 626-256-8000, to report any concerns. Both MPD and our district are committed to thoroughly investigating any threats (real or potential) of any kind. The best way to ensure such concerns are dealt with quickly is to bring them to light directly through these channels.
While the evil act that took place in Texas yesterday understandably leaves many of us feeling uneasy, it is important to remember that what makes Monrovia such a special community is its sense of togetherness and belonging. Please take this opportunity to check in on your friends and loved ones, the teachers and staff at your children’s schools, and others who together make Monrovia a wonderful place to live. As people work through their grief, anger, and frustration over a tragedy like this, our connection with each other is more important than ever.
Sincerely,
Ryan D. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent
On behalf of the Board of Education, it is with great sadness that I write to you about yesterday’s devastating shooting at a Texas elementary school in which multiple children and adults were killed. Our hearts grieve for these innocent lives lost and the tragic impact on their loved ones and the community.
We understand this tragedy may impact our students, staff and families. Children may have questions, and/or feel the need to talk about what happened. We have put together some resources that will be helpful during this difficult time.
- Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network – English/Spanish)
- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists – English/Spanish)
- Helping Children Cope with Frightening News (Child Mind Institute – English/Spanish)
- Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting (American Counseling Association)
- Trauma and Disaster Mental Health (American Counseling Association)
- Teaching in the Wake of Violence (Facing History and Ourselves)
Please know that safety at our schools is our highest priority. We would like to remind everyone that each of our schools have safety procedures in place that are reviewed and updated annually. We proudly maintain a strong partnership with the Monrovia Police Department (MPD) to maintain the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff and employ a full-time School Resource Officer who serves as liaison to the department and its ample resources. While there are no active threats to our schools, out of an abundance of caution, MPD will increase patrols around them.
As always, we do ask for your help by being vigilant. If you, your student, or anyone else hears anything that is concerning, please say something. We urge you to contact your school’s principal, the school district office, or MPD at 626-256-8000, to report any concerns. Both MPD and our district are committed to thoroughly investigating any threats (real or potential) of any kind. The best way to ensure such concerns are dealt with quickly is to bring them to light directly through these channels.
While the evil act that took place in Texas yesterday understandably leaves many of us feeling uneasy, it is important to remember that what makes Monrovia such a special community is its sense of togetherness and belonging. Please take this opportunity to check in on your friends and loved ones, the teachers and staff at your children’s schools, and others who together make Monrovia a wonderful place to live. As people work through their grief, anger, and frustration over a tragedy like this, our connection with each other is more important than ever.
Sincerely,
Ryan D. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent