For Immediate Release May 25, 2022
Contact: Ted Fisher, aoe.publicinformation@vermont.gov
MONTPELIER, Vt. – Secretary of Education Dan French issued a statement today on the shooting in Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas:
"We mourn the loss of these children and school staff in what is another horrific and senseless act of gun violence in our schools and communities. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, and with our colleagues of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District.
"Now more than ever we must remain vigilant against acts of violence in our schools. In Vermont, school safety resources are coordinated through the Vermont School Safety Center. Vermont school staff should review the following Safety Center resources with their school communities:
- The importance of the See Something/Say Something Campaign
- School behavioral threat assessment resources
- The anonymous School Safety Tipline:
- Call (844) 723-3488 or TEXT 274637, type in keyword SAFE4VT and then your tip
- The most updated school safety drill/exercise guidance posted March 24, 2022.
“These violent incidents can be very difficult for students to process, and may bring up fear and anxiety, especially for children who have already experienced trauma in their lives. You can find resources for talking with children about traumatic events, as well as crisis help resources on the Department of Mental Health website.
“To teachers and school staff: Thank you for your work in keeping our schools safe. This has been a challenging school year in so many ways, and this tragic event will no doubt provoke additional stress and anxiety in our schools. Working together, we can ensure the safety of our schools and support one another to continue the essential work of educating our children."