Americans are still reeling from the senseless killing of at least 21 people, including 19 students, at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on Tuesday.

In the wake of Tuesday’s shooting, local leaders are weighing in with their thoughts, expressing sympathy for the victims and calling for action against gun violence. We’ve heard from elected officials and prominent public figures – and now, the superintendents of Orange County Schools and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools are weighing in with their own thoughts.


Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools superintendent Dr. Nyah Hamlett shared this message with the CHCCS community on Wednesday morning.

Dear CHCCS staff, students and families,

Our hearts break for the families, loved ones, friends and community of at least 19 students and two adults killed in Tuesday’s unspeakable tragedy in Uvalde, Texas.

I want you to know what we’re doing here in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. First, we’re grateful that both the Chapel Hill and Carrboro police departments are sending officers to all of our elementary schools throughout the day today. While we know the role of a police officer is much more than this, if all they do today is just check on our kids and our staff, and provide even one person with an extra sense of security, then it will have been worth it. Additionally, both departments will join our safety and security team in discussing further steps for the remainder of the school year, including the possibility of an increased presence around all schools and their surrounding communities. As always, we are fortunate to have such dedicated support from Chief Chris Blue and Chief Chris Atack.

You may also want to know how our staff is prepared to support our students and colleagues. Our School Support and Wellness team provided a variety of resources to our school administrators, counselors, psychologists, social workers, mental health specialists and nurses. Additionally, some of these resources may be helpful for use at home, too.

Many of our students, staff, and families will be engaged in discussion to support the social, emotional and mental health needs of themselves and those around them. Allowing students to express their feelings and to have meaningful discussion provides an opportunity to connect with others. However, please know that no child will have to discuss these awful events if they don’t want to, and if your child would prefer to speak with someone privately, support is available. Please join me in letting your children know that the CHCCS community will always have a trusted adult who is able to support them. 

Please also help us encourage students to share information when they feel unsafe, or when they know of a potential safety issue at school. Aside from speaking to a trusted adult, another way to do that is by using the “Anonymous Tip Line” (also on every elementary school’s website) or, the “Say Something” anonymous reporting system (also a link on our middle and high school websites.)

As a mother (of three school-aged children), educator and superintendent my heart aches. No one should have to send their child(ren) to school or go to work wondering if tragedy will reach them. When the internet’s “thoughts and prayers” become cliché there’s a much bigger problem and response necessary.

With a broken heart,

Nyah D. Hamlett, Ed. D.

Superintendent


Orange County Schools superintendent Dr. Monique Felder shared this message on the district’s website.

Dear OCS families, staff, students and community members,

Many of us are reeling after yesterday’s shooting – the senseless violence – at Robb Elementary School. Saddened, sickened and angry barely begin to describe the emotions many of us are trying to process. Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the families, students, loved ones and school team members in Uvalde, Texas.

I know that during times of tragedy, we can’t help but think about our own families and loved ones, too. I want to share that every adult at Orange County Schools (OCS) is committed to ensuring that our schools are safe places for our students, staff and community.

HOW ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOLS FOCUSES ON SAFETY

All of our schools have a security plan in place, and our employees take regular emergency preparedness trainings. In addition, across the district, we’ve  updated our safety programs over the past five years including assessments from national safety consultants. We believe that being proactive — especially when it comes to safety and well-being — is one of the most important things we can do.

For example, we were one of the first North Carolina school districts to launch the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System program. Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by Sandy Hook Promise, a national nonprofit. It empowers students and staff to submit anonymous safety concern tips through an app, website or phone call. To put it simply, this program is meant to enhance the student protections already in place. This tested program has saved lives. You can learn more about Say Something here. 

INTRODUCING OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF SECURITY

In addition to the many safety measures already in place, we recently hired a Director of Security, Mr. Andrew Poole. Our Director of Security will continue to update and ensure best practices in school security and safety protocols are implemented to protect our children.

While he was scheduled to begin on June 1, he has agreed to start immediately. His first day is tomorrow, May 26.

Just a few of Mr. Poole’s responsibilities include:

  • Working directly with law enforcement to ensure our campuses are safe
  • Creating district-wide emergency response plans
  • Partnering with every one of our schools individually on their school-specific safety plans
  • Coordinating with our school resource officers (SROs) and administrators to monitor and coordinate safety protocols, drills and initiatives
  • Leading safety trainings in each of our schools
  • Working with our special events teams, such as sports, to ensure all events are safe
  • Monitoring our district security, including emergency communication systems, camera security systems, surveillance and access control

Mr. Poole last served as an officer with the Hillsborough Police Department. He is already familiar with our community, and has  experience in law enforcement and security measures. The director’s role is a proactive one. We are committed to continual training in crisis response and working with law enforcement, stakeholders, and community to prevent any tragedy in our schools or on our schools’ campuses.

RESOURCES FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY

We want every single student to know they are safe as they walk our halls, play outside or learn in our classrooms. We are offering counseling and support to our families, staff and students. Please reach out to your school  principal,  social worker,  counselor, nurse or any other trusted adult to set up a conversation or to ask for resources.

Helping Kids Process Trauma

As a mother and grandmother, I understand our instinct to shield our kids from tragedies. However, child psychologists recommend talking with kids about shootings and other tragedies.

Experts recommend taking the following steps:

  • Start by asking about and listening to what your child already knows
  • Validate your child’s feelings, and be honest about your own
  • Reassure your child – let them know that you and other adults are working to keep them safe
  • Talk about steps they can take to help keep them safe

We are including a few resources to help you have these conversations here, along with resources focused on gun safety at home:

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.

In service of children,
Dr. Monique Felder
Superintendent