Dear SPS Families
As we have listened to the news regarding the horrific events in Uvalde, TX, it’s important to keep in mind that hearing of a traumatic incident such as this affects students in a variety of ways. Therefore, students should be given ample opportunities to ask questions and talk about what they are feeling. News such as this is incomprehensible and can naturally stir feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. Depending on their age, when reacting to a traumatic incident, students may display the following behaviors; cling closely to adults, ask a lot of questions, appear frightened, appear agitated and angry, appear sad and withdrawn, display difficulty sleeping and complain of stomach aches and/or headache.
Here is a resource you may find helpful: ASCA Resources to help talking to your students
I want to assure you that our students’ safety is our top priority. As a district, we routinely assess and discuss our safety protocols and procedures. The Stoughton Public Schools has implemented a number of proactive measures in the area of school safety and security. First and foremost, the A.L.I.C.E. school safety procedures have been implemented in the district for the past ten years. We also have regular meetings of the district wide and school based crisis teams. We have implemented security measures including locked external doors that require staff badges for swipe entry, as well as video surveillance both inside and outside our schools. We are also in constant communication with the Stoughton Police Department and our School Resource Officers who are accessible at all times.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about school safety in the Stoughton Public Schools, please join us at the Gibbons Elementary School on Monday, June 6, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. for a brief presentation.
Sincerely,
Thomas R. Raab, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools