“We are devastated by the massacre that occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killing 21 people, including 19 students and two teachers. Our children have had to bear so much in recent years and it’s heartbreaking to see their trauma compounded by such an incredibly violent and lethal act,” said CSBA President Dr. Susan Heredia. “We grieve for all those affected by the shooting, particularly the friends and families of the deceased and those who witnessed this tragedy. We are also distraught when we think of the youth across the country with no direct connection to the crime who will nonetheless be impacted by its sinister nature. As a nation, we simply must do a better job of caring for, protecting and nurturing the most vulnerable members of our society.”
CSBA knows that reports of violence at schools can be troubling for students, especially for younger children who struggle to understand how an act like a shooting could take place at school and may fear for their own safety as a result. While there is no foolproof method for addressing such a difficult topic, there are many resources available to help educators, parents and guardians speak with their children after a school shooting and manage their distress. Please see below for some especially useful resources as well as guidance for school board members, school administrators and educators on practices that promote school safety.
