A Message From Superintendent Tom Ahart about Uvalde, TX
Dear DMPS families,
As most of you are likely now aware, tragically, there was another school shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. Events such as this stir up strong emotions, especially our instincts around protecting our children and the adults who serve them.
While I want to use this message as an opportunity to share our safety protocols, I also want to make you aware of some resources available to help our students process what happened. It’s important to remember that rates of self-harm (including suicide attempts) can increase after news of violent aggression and while I don’t want to create unnecessary concern, I do think it’s important that we are vigilant in carefully monitoring how our school family members (adults and students) are responding. It’s a lot to take in.
First, know that our local school counselors are available to talk with any student, teacher, parent or community member who may need a safe place. Our staff are trained in their response and can be incredibly helpful.
If you are having conversations at home with your children, this resource from the National Association of School Psychologists is a helpful guide that provides talking points that are age-appropriate.
If you do feel that you or someone in your family is struggling in a more serious way, please consider accessing Iowa’s Mobile Crisis Response system. The purpose is to provide free, on-site support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. If a mental health crisis occurs, one or two-person mental health professional teams will be dispatched to the crisis within one hour of receiving a request. This on-site support is offered 24/7. Anyone can contact Mobile Crisis Services by contacting 1-855-581-8111.
Finally, I want to let you know that our district has a detailed safety and crisis plan that addresses a variety of situations. We have worked closely with local law enforcement and other agencies to create the plan and have engaged in safety drills to help us prepare. We remain firmly committed to providing a physically and psychologically safe environment for learning.
Thank you for your ongoing support. Now more than ever, we need to find ways to come together. Our kids are depending on us.
Dr. Thomas Ahart
DMPS Superintendent