May 24, 2022

Dear MACS Family and Community,

We are deeply saddened and shocked to have learned about the horrific shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas that occurred today. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the victims of this senseless tragedy and their families.

At MACS, safety and security of our students and staff is and always will be our top priority. We consistently update our security plans in partnership with our safety teams, and we routinely practice drills for emergency situations inside the classroom.

Our counseling staff will be available throughout the coming days to assist any students or staff who are dealing with grief or stress related to these events.

In the aftermath of a traumatic event such as this, the National Association of School Psychologists notes a few effective ways to engage with students at home:

• return to normal, predictable routines as soon as possible to create a sense of safety;
• listen to concerns and feelings;
• suggest limiting use of media to lower stress and maintain balance and perspective; and
• realize sleep difficulties are common and can lead to fatigue and poor participation.

Thank you for your consideration, and I hope you have a peaceful evening.

Sincerely,
Dr. Donna Runner
Superintendent of Schools