Yesterday's Tragedy in Colorado Springs

Yesterday's Tragedy in Colorado Springs
Posted on 11/21/2022

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November 20, 2022


Dear DCSD Staff and Families,


As we head into the Thanksgiving week, it’s a time to gather with loved ones, show love and gratitude for our families and friends, and reflect on our blessings.


Sadly, many in the Colorado Springs community had that taken away just days before the holiday. Our hearts are absolutely breaking for those impacted by the senseless tragedy that took place at Club Q last night. This type of violence is difficult to fathom. We do applaud the heroes that took down the gunman, but ultimately 5 people still lost their lives with many others injured. Please join us in sending our thoughts and prayers to the victims, those who lost or nearly lost a loved one, and all who were impacted by this tragedy, as their lives and Thanksgiving holiday will never be the same. 


When a shooting like this happens, particularly when it’s just an hour away from our community, it can raise questions for our families and staff about school safety right here in DCSD. I want to reassure you that nothing is more important than the safety of our students and staff. Here in DCSD we continuously evaluate (and re-evaluate) our safety protocols. To learn more about safety in our schools, please see my recent interview with Safety and Security Director Jonny Grusing and our Safety and Security webpage


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 shooting, especially when it’s directed at a specific community, in this case, our LGBTQ+ community, can cause 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 those impacted by last night’s tragedy in your hearts. I hope you are able to hold your loved ones a little closer this Thanksgiving.


Sincerely,


Erin Kane
Superintendent
Douglas County School District



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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 ).