Superintendent's Message, July 5, 2022

Dear District 96 Community:

We are devastated by the senseless violence that occurred yesterday, claiming the lives of some of our neighbors.  Our heartfelt condolences go out to everyone impacted by yesterday’s tragic events.  We are deeply grateful for the response of emergency services as well as community members for helping those in need.

Yesterday’s events come in the wake of other recent mass shootings and, now, struck very close to home.  It is understandable that this may trigger feelings of anxiety and fear in some community members.   We also know some of our community members and staff may have been personally impacted.  I am writing today to offer resources that can be of assistance to you in talking about these events with your children, as I have found these helpful in communicating with my own children.  At the end of this email, you will find three linked resources that provide more information as well as a reminder about a previously shared statewide school safety resource.  

I assure you the safety of our students and staff is our top priority.  We have extensive security measures in place, including a robust crisis response team that includes local law enforcement and other government agencies.  Our proactive security plan and procedures are constantly reviewed, practiced, and updated as needed.  When your children return in August, please know we are confident in our safety procedures, which are constantly monitored to ensure we are doing everything we can to maintain the safety of our students and staff.  

We are here as your educational team to provide any support and care you may need. Please contact us if you or your child needs assistance. While our schools are closed in July, our staff is on standby to assist you.  Call our district office at 847.459.4260, and we will provide support.

~ Katie Sheridan

 

Resources

  • National Association of School Psychologists

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-parents-and-teachers

 

  • The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/terrorism-and-violence/mass-violence

 

  • Healthy Children.org

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Talking-To-Children-About-Tragedies-and-Other-News-Events.aspx

 

  • Safe2Help Illinois

As a reminder, a statewide school safety program called Safe2Help Illinois is available to all community members. This program offers students a safe and confidential way to share information that may help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence, and other threats to student safety. Safe2Help Illinois features a 24/7 helpline at 1-844-4-SAFEIL, a free mobile app (Google Play | Apple App Store), and a dedicated website (www.Safe2Helpil.com).  In addition, we always encourage you to call 911 when there is an emergency or when you are concerned about a potentially escalating emergency.