Planning Today for Their Tomorrow
MENU

Yesterday's Tragedy in Uvalde, Texas

Yesterday's Tragedy in Uvalde, Texas
Posted on 05/25/2022

Español

May 25, 2022

Dear DCSD Staff and Families,

This is the last week of the 2021-2022 school year. While the last days of school are always filled with mixed emotions ranging from joy and relief, to sadness as our children say goodbye to their teachers and friends, today is feeling more mixed than ever. Many of us lost sleep thinking about the community of Uvalde, Texas, and the senseless tragedy that took place there yesterday. Our hearts are absolutely breaking for those impacted. This type of violence is difficult to fathom. And I know it raises questions for our families and staff about school safety right here in DCSD.

Nothing is more important than the safety of our students and staff. Here in DCSD we continuously evaluate (and re-evaluate) our safety protocols. We are incredibly thankful for the strong partnerships that we have with our local law enforcement partners which enable us to have School Resource Officers and Marshalls at our schools. DCSD has a Safety Committee made up of law enforcement representatives as well as mental health and security experts from across our county. That committee meets regularly to discuss our safety protocols. In addition, last month, DCSD and local law enforcement, under the direction of the I Love U Guys and Frank DeAngelis foundations, conducted a large-scale reunification training and exercise. More than 150 people participated in the two-day event. And, we have utilized funding from the 2018 bond as well as from the Douglas County Board of Commissioners to make security upgrades to every school building in our district.

Families, students, and staff also play a critical role in keeping our schools safe. Please report any suspicious behavior or security concerns to your school’s principal or anonymously via Safe2Tell.

Hearing about a school shooting creates anxiety and trauma for both adults and children. Below are links to some resources to assist you in talking with your child if needed.

Please join me in keeping the community of Uvalde in our hearts.

Sincerely,

Erin Kane
Superintendent
Douglas County School District

Resources
Talking to Children About Violence (Tips for Parents and Teachers)
Talking to Children About School Safety: For School Personnel
 

 

620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104
303-387-0100
24hr Emergency 303-387-9999
Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.

In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0127.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).