Friday, February 16, 2018

Dear Salt River Schools Family,

As we prepare for what will hopefully be a relaxing three-day weekend, I’d like to take this time to reflect on the importance of togetherness and kindness and share examples of how I see these things every day at Salt River Schools.

Every school day, teachers and staff across our Division welcome students with smiles. We’re proud that new this year is our Breakfast in the Classroom initiative to ensure all students begin their day not just with emotional fulfillment, but with healthy food in their bellies to give them the energy they need to learn.

Every school day, students are learning traditional O’odham and Piipaash languages and cultures. From birth through high school, this endeavor follows our new Strategic Plan directive to prioritize and uplift our Community’s strongest and most vital assets within all areas of education.

Every school day, our Safe Schools and Security team engages students, staff and visitors to build positive and supportive relationships with each other, our facilities and Community law enforcement. Student safety is our No. 1 priority across the Division, which is why our security team is constantly reviewing safety drills, such as lockdowns, shelter-in-place and more, to guarantee all staff and students are prepared to act quickly and appropriately should the worst happen.

Every day—24/7/365—our administrative leaders dream, brainstorm, plan and fulfil ways to give our students and their families the best educational experiences imaginable. We’re not perfect, but with hard work and collaboration amongst all stakeholders, we know we’ll get there.

Like all educators and parents throughout the nation, I am deeply saddened by the tragedy of yet another school shooting. On behalf of everyone in our Division, I’d like to extend condolences and prayers to the students, staff and families of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Though we strive to ensure normal routines in our classrooms after events like this, leaders and guidance counselors throughout Salt River Schools have been addressing any and all concerns related to this heartbreaking incident. To students, staff and families: Please reach out if you need resources. We are here for you.

Community resources are also available. If you need someone to talk to outside of business hours—about the events in Florida or any other issue—the SRPMIC Department of Health and Human Services’ Crisis Intervention Team has a 24/7 hotline you can call anytime: Call 480-850-9230 and ask for the “Crisis Line.”

This weekend and always, it is my greatest hope that we strive to meet each other with radical kindness—for the sake of our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. Building a system of trust takes time, but I am so humbled at the growth I’ve seen across Salt River Schools when it comes to respect and communication among staff, students and families. Remember: We will do this together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Louis Laffitte, Jr.
Superintendent, Salt River Schools