Dear Sac City Families,

We know that you have many questions and may be fearful as a result of the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas.

Above all, we want you to know your students are safe at school. As we informed you yesterday, we experienced an isolated incident at Edward Kemble Elementary involving a weapon. Specifically, one of our elementary students had access to an improperly stored gun and brought it to school.  While the police investigation continues, there is no evidence the student intended to harm anyone.  Since the incident occurred on the same day as the horrific massacre in Texas, we understand the anxiety it may cause.

You place your trust in us to keep your children safe as we provide academic instruction and social emotional learning, and we take that responsibility seriously. Your children’s safety is of the utmost importance.  All SCUSD schools have comprehensive safety plans that are updated annually and available onsite at schools for your review. 

The Office of Safe Schools provides training guidance and resources in an effort to intervene and prevent crisis.  We utilize our district’s security, student supportive services, community based organizations and law enforcement when necessary to support the safety of our schools. Our community approach to safety allows us to keep kids safe by working with our school community to monitor behavior, provide emotional support, identify needs and work through conflict.

Please know that parents and guardians play an important role in student safety. In addition to being vigilant and communicating concerns with school staff, we encourage you to stay informed about all we are doing. We ask that your communication settings and information are up to date on Infinite Campus so that we can contact you immediately regarding any potential emergency. If you need help or have questions about how to access Infinite Campus or update information, contact your school office.

Processing and talking about traumatic events such as the recent mass shooting in Buffalo, New York and at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas is difficult for both adults and children. Our Social Emotional Learning and Student Support & Health Services teams have compiled resources for you and your family to support you during this tragic and stressful time.

SCUSD Resources

• Virtual Calming Room
• SCUSD Grace App - giving resources and care everyday)
• Care Solace - Care Coordinators are available to help you get connected to community-based mental health or substance abuse treatment for yourself or a family member. Care Coordinators are available 24/7 in multiple languages via phone or text at https://caresolace.com/site/saccityusd

Other Mental Health Resources

• CA Surgeon General’s Guide to Supporting Mental & Physical Health 
• Suicide prevention hotline - (916) 368-3111
• The Source - (youth under 21 & their caregivers) call/text 916-SUPPORT (787-7678)
• Crisis Text Line – text HOME to 741741 

Resources for Parents to Support Children

• Helping Children Cope with Frightening News, Child Mind Institute - What parents can do to aid scared kids in processing grief and fear in a healthy way. 
• Talking to Children about Hate Crimes, National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center - Suggestions for adults to provide support and guidance for children, information about how children may react to hate crimes, and suggestions for discussing safety, bias, and discrimination. 
• Talking to Kids about Racism and Violence, Child Mind Institute - Guidance for adults on supporting children while navigating their own big emotions.
• Gun Violence and Mass Shootings Table Talk - Talking with children about gun violence.

Resources for Both Parents and Teachers

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers - Key points to communicate and ways to support young people emotionally, differentiated by age group.  
• How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime and War, Common Sense Media - Exposure to graphic images, distressing information, and horrific headlines can affect kids’ overall well-being.