MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT

Letters in Spanish, Chinese & Korean Below

May 25, 2022

Dear Rowland Families:

Our thoughts, prayers and support go out to all involved, directly and indirectly, with the devastating and senseless shooting yesterday at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. 

We understand this tragedy will impact students, staff and families in different ways. Children may have questions, and/or feel the need to talk about what has happened. The Los Angeles County Department of Education has put together some resources that you may find helpful during this difficult time. 

∙         Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network – English/Spanish)   

∙         Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists – English/Spanish)   

∙         Helping Children Cope with Frightening News (Child Mind Institute – English/Spanish) 

∙         Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting (American Counseling Association)   

∙         Trauma and Disaster Mental Health (American Counseling Association) 

If your child would like to speak with someone about this situation and help to process any concerns that they may have, we have trained school staff available at our school sites and in our District for emotional support. Please contact your school principal to request support for your child.

As you know the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. As a reminder, we have safety procedures in place, which includes a strong relationship and communication with local law enforcement.  As part of our safety plans, we ask for your help in continuing to create safe spaces and reporting any concerns. Please take the time to remind your child that if they hear something, or know something, to say something to an adult. We always want our students to share with us concerns they have or information they hear so it can be reviewed with great care and detail. We take all threats seriously and deem them all as credible until fully reviewed with law enforcement and determined otherwise.

The Robb Elementary School community remains in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

With Gratitude,

Julie Mitchell, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools