A Letter From the Principal

Posted March 22, 2023

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A Letter from the Principal

March 22, 2023

Dear George Washington High School Families,

We have received the following communication from Denver Public Schools regarding the shooting incident at East High School, and we want to share excerpts with you, particularly its resources and information:

“We are well aware that there has been an unprecedented amount of stress regarding the recent incidents at East High School. To establish the facts: a shooting occurred inside East High School which injured two adult faculty members. Those two individuals were immediately transported to local medical facilities. Local law enforcement, school security and Denver Police Department were also immediately called to conduct their investigation of the shooting. We cannot provide additional information regarding their investigation at this time but we are working with the police to issue as much information as possible. 

No deaths were reported from the shooting. No students were injured in the shooting. 

However, several experienced emotional distress and may feel uncomfortable with returning to school. We understand that these events, especially in schools in our district – where you may have a meaningful connection to – might be increasingly distressful. In order to allow our students and faculty, throughout the district, the ability to cope with these difficult repeated traumas we are opening the full extent of our resources to ensure that all of DPS is supported. 

The best thing for those who have experienced grief is to have increased attention and support from their loved ones in the days and weeks following the loss. The following signs may indicate that your student is having difficulty, but with time they should decrease. Signs of stress potentially caused by grieving a loss:

  • Marked changes in usual ways of behaving, including decline in school productivity or mood changes

  • Changes in sleeping or eating problems

  • Disorganization

  • Withdrawing behaviors

  • Easily distracted

  • Physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, stomach pain, headaches

  • Acting out behavior, including aggression

  • Passivity or listlessness

  • Tearfulness

In addition, click here for general tips and resources for parents and caregivers supporting students who have experienced a recent loss. 

There may be times you would like support with talking to your child about loss, depression or suicide. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the school, or one of the community providers below:

Name

Number

Description

Colorado Crisis and Support Line

844-493-8255, or Text TALK to 38255

Resource for mental health, substance use, or emotional crisis help – information and referrals

National Suicide Hotline

800-273-8255

24-hour toll-free confidential suicide prevention hotline

Second Wind Fund

303-988-2645

Provides free counseling to underinsured and uninsured youth that are suicidal

Trevor Project Hotline

866-488-7386

Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth

Safe2Tell Colorado

877-542-7233

An anonymous way to report any concern impacting students (phone, app, online reporting options)

If you have any concerns about your child or another student in Denver Public Schools, please contact our mental health staff or use resources above. 

If you or someone you know have any information regarding the suspect or surrounding the incident, please reach out to Denver Police Department at 720-913-7867. If you or your child are aware of threats in the community or at school, you can report it to the school immediately or make an anonymous report at www.safe2tell.org, or call Safe 2 Tell at 1-877-542-7233. 

We also would like to reiterate our commitment to the mental health, emotional wellness, and community support that we provide as a school district to all our affected families and staff. Your student may have heard about this loss and may be experiencing feelings of grief.  Please consider opening a dialogue about what they are thinking and feeling, and know that we are committed to supporting our entire community during this time.”

Respectfully,

Dr. Dackri Davis
Principal | George Washington High School

 







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