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Support &Safety Information on Emergency Preparedness following Georgia High School Shooting

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Support &Safety Information on Emergency Preparedness following Georgia High School Shooting

Dear PUSD community, 

 

We are deeply saddened by the tragic high school shooting in Winder, Georgia. The sudden loss of students and teachers is a heartbreak that is impossible to imagine, and unfortunately tragedies like these are not unique. 

As caregivers, educators and members of our school communities, we share the difficult but vital role of helping students and families process any tragedy of this scale, whether local or in another part of the world. To help you create a safe, welcoming environment to talk about tragedies like this in an age-appropriate manner, we have compiled a list of resources: 

 

 

PUSD has a list of additional resources and partners with Care Solace to connect families and staff to mental health support. 

 

Each member of our team is here to support you and one another - to feel physically and emotionally safe. We encourage you to engage in these important conversations using the resources above. 

 

We continue to address safety as a top priority through multiple strategies that include:

 

Facilities Improvements 

Through the passage of Measure I1 - Pleasanton residents have funded new school fencing creating single points of entry, new emergency/bell systems, and security camera installation across the District. 

 

Preparation & Drills

Each year, all school sites develop and update a comprehensive school safety plan. This plan is discussed, reviewed and approved by each school site council. These plans are detailed and describe the school's response to various events. If you’re interested in learning more about your school safety plan please contact your school’s administration. 

 

All school sites conduct monthly safety drills for intruders, earthquakes and fire to help ensure staff and students are aware of our emergency protocols.

 

Prevention

PUSD schools promote cultures of kindness and inclusion through daily practices. We have also invested significantly, in partnership with PPIE and through state and federal COVID funding, in expanded mental health services for our students, which we hope will help identify and respond to peers who may be having the kinds of struggles that can lead to them hurting themselves or others.  

 

Collaboration

We maintain strong partnerships with our local public safety agencies including the Pleasanton Police Department (PPD). 

 

PUSD has a Safety Committee that meets every month with representatives from each school site, PPD, parents/caregivers and students to review district safety protocols, procedures and requests from school sites. 

Learn more about our ongoing efforts on our PUSD Emergency Preparedness & Safety web page. 

 

You play an important role in sustaining a sense of safety and belonging on all our school campuses. This can be challenging following these tragic events, and if you need support please do not hesitate to reach out. 

 

Sincerely, 

Maurice Ghysels, Ed.D.  

Interim Superintendent of Schools