From the Desk of the Superintendent
Superintendent Michael W. Caston, Ph.D.
April 23, 1999
Dear Parents:
Locally, our students, schools and community are deeply saddened at the horrific news of another act of violence in one of our nation’s schools. The violence in Littleton, Colorado has heightened awareness of our Districts’ first priority: concern for the safety and welfare of all students, staff, and visitors to our campuses. Be assured that each school in the Santa Barbara Elementary and High School Districts is taking every precautionary measure possible to ensure campus safety.
Parents and educators are partners in education. On this vital issue of campus safety, there are several ways we can work together to make a positive difference in the school environment:
Schools
- Our team of principals, District administrators, and law enforcement representatives are reexamining existing safety plans to see if, in light of the recent events in Littleton, changes should be made.
- All staff at each school will review the key steps that each site will implement in the event of a campus disturbance.
- Each site will examine ways to increase the level of supervision before school, after school, at lunch, and student movement between classes.
- Students will be reminded of the school rules that were outlined at the beginning of the school year.
- Any mention of violence (verbal, written, physical) will be taken very seriously. For safety of all students, there can be no tolerance of threatening behavior. Such behavior will be carefully investigated and assessed by school administrators. The consequences may well be suspension and/or expulsion.
- If a student is worried about problems he/she is facing or about the well-being of a fellow student, their confidential concerns will be heard and respected by school staff.
Parents
- Talk with your child and encourage him/her to share their concerns with you. I cannot over emphasize the importance of listening and guiding your child during difficult times. If your child has negative feelings about treatment by his/her peers, please bring those concerns to the attention of school staff.
- During difficult situations, it is not uncommon for adolescents to face peer pressure to maintain a "code of silence." As we have seen, silence can be deadly. Please encourage your child to report any threats of violence.
- Increase your level of awareness of the films, music, Internet sites of interest to your child.
- Ask for help. School and community resources are available and ready to assist.
Safe schools cannot be achieved and maintained without the ongoing commitment of schools, parents and the entire community. Education and intervention are the keys to maintaining a positive climate for student learning.
Thank you for your support. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please call me.