This Saturday marks 20 years since the unimaginable tragedy at Columbine High School. This event shook not only our communities here in Colorado, but across the country. The tragedy changed the way we think about school safety forever.
The events of the past couple of days have no doubt further shaken our local communities. The Lockouts and subsequent closing of schools across the Denver metro area due to a credible threat against all of our schools was unprecedented. But during such a frightening time, the Douglas County School District community joined with school district communities across our state in solidarity.
After Columbine and other subsequent tragedies, some incredible acts of “giving back” have occurred. Amazing organizations have been formed, such as Rachel’s Challenge, The “I Love U Guys” Foundation, The Rebels Project, and A Sandy Hook | Columbine Cooperative, just to name a few. These groups are bringing much needed attention to the topics of not only school safety, but mental health within our schools. Some of these organizations are providing our schools and students with invaluable resources, and are helping to teach students the importance of kindness and giving back to their communities.
As we stop to remember and reflect on Columbine, please consider giving back. Engage in random acts of kindness or organize a community service project. Learn more about the Third-Annual Columbine Day of Service.
As we look ahead, please continue to be vigilant at your own schools. Remind your children to report suspicious behavior or concerns to their school’s principal or other trusted adult, or anonymously via resources such as Safe2Tell or Text-a-Tip.
Following Columbine, our communities came back stronger than ever. This week, our communities came together with one common unity of purpose -- the safety of students. I hope that we harness that unity and power, and keep the momentum going -- because together we are stronger, and with a shared commitment, our students are safer.
Thomas S. Tucker, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Douglas County School District