Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members,
The safety and well-being of our students and staff will always be our highest priority. In the wake of the unspeakable tragedy at a Bend elementary school, we are reminded of the importance of coming together as a community and reaffirming our shared commitment to keeping our schools safe, welcoming, and supportive places for everyone.
School safety is not the responsibility of one person, one department, or one organization. It takes all of us working together. As educators, families, students, and community partners, we each have a role to play in creating an environment where every student feels safe, valued, connected, and supported.
Our district will continue to work in partnership with Hermiston Police Department to review and strengthen safety practices. These efforts are essential, but we also know that safety extends beyond physical security. It includes building relationships, recognizing when someone may be struggling, taking concerns seriously, and ensuring students know they have trusted adults they can turn to for help.
Families play an important role by maintaining open conversations with their children, reinforcing the importance of speaking up when something does not feel right, and partnering with school staff when concerns arise. Students contribute by treating one another with kindness, including those who may feel isolated, and telling a trusted adult when they see or hear something that raises concern. Staff members help foster safe and supportive environments by building meaningful relationships with students, remaining attentive to concerns, and following established procedures for reporting and responding to potential threats.
We encourage everyone to remember that speaking up is an act of care, not an act of betrayal. If you see something concerning or notice behavior that causes you to worry about someone's safety, please share that information with a trusted school official or appropriate authorities.
At the same time, we must lead with compassion. Students and adults alike may be carrying fear, grief, or uncertainty. Checking in with one another, listening without judgment, and making sure every person feels a sense of belonging are meaningful ways we can strengthen the safety of our school community.
We cannot eliminate every risk, but we can take meaningful steps together to prevent harm, respond to concerns, and care for one another. Our commitment must be ongoing, grounded in communication, trust, vigilance, and a willingness to work together.
Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your dedication to the safety of our students and staff. When families, schools, and communities work together toward a common purpose, we strengthen our ability to protect our children and provide them with the safe, supportive environments they deserve.
Keeping our schools safe is a shared commitment, and it takes all of us. Together, we can make a difference.
With care and appreciation,
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