Today, our community was shattered by the unthinkable: a tragic shooting at Saugus High School took the lives of several precious members of our school community, injured several other students, and shook every one of us to our core. As I write this message, I know our entire school community shares my profound sadness and disbelief. I want to share some important information with you, and I thank you for your kind attention to this message.
Please join me in keeping these families in your hearts and prayers. Today’s events took the life of their children; words are utterly inadequate when we think about their loss. We will reach out to the families to offer our full support. On their behalf, we ask that you honor their privacy at this time.
Additionally, multiple students were injured, and at this time, we have been informed that they are in stable condition. Their families are with them as I write this message to you. Immediately upon learning about the shooting, members of the District’s administrative team went to the hospital to confirm student identities, and to serve as a resource to these families in distress. I share this detail to assure you that we always work with urgency to assist parents and to communicate about their child’s condition, especially when dealing with a life-threatening situation.
The gun violence experienced across our nation, and all too often on school campuses, has prompted our District, like others, to conduct staff and student trainings for these unthinkable events. We take the training seriously; we prayed that we would never need it. Yet today, our brilliant staff bravely and vigilantly went into action. Placing a priority on their students’ safety, our wonderful Saugus High School team were quick to order students to shelter in place, and your students responded. Praise them for their responsible behavior, especially in the face of overwhelming fear.
Out of respect for the victims and their families, ALL Hart District Schools will be closed Friday, November 15. Additionally, we want to give students and staff the opportunity to come together to process their feelings with counselors, with their teachers, and with one another. We believe bringing students together, and in a different setting, will allow them to discuss the process for returning to the campus. All District counselors and additional support provided by neighboring districts will be available to our students and staff. First, from 5:00 - 7:00 tonight, at the Santa Clarita Activities Center located at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, and tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church located at 22833 Copper Hill Drive.
On behalf of the entire administrative team in our District office, I want to thank you for your patience today as we worked with law enforcement and emergency services. We know that all you wanted was to have your children returned to your arms; we wanted that, too. Your understanding that we need to cooperate with law enforcement is greatly appreciated. Our first responders are heroes, and we are immensely grateful for their swift action.
Tonight, hold your children tight. Love them. Praise them for being responsible in the face of fear.
Thank you and good evening.