Pleasanton Schools Increase Police Presence After Texas Shooting

PLEASANTON, CA — Following a mass shooting that killed at least 19 children and two teachers in an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on Tuesday, the Pleasanton Unified School district responded with its support.

“We’re working with our school social workers and student support services team to provide additional support on campuses and have been in touch with Pleasanton Police Department to have an increased presence to help with a sense of safety and security on campus today,” Director of Communications Patrick Gannon said.

Superintendent David Haglund sent this message to the district's staff and families:

"The tragedy that took place at a Texas elementary school yesterday is devastating, and our hearts go out to the families, and the entire community, who are facing unimaginable heartbreak. As a parent and grandparent, I am incredibly sad to see another school community shaken by senseless gun violence. Once again, we are reminded of the need for change and the consequences suffered due to a lack of action.

As parents/caregivers, teachers, staff, and administrators, we share a difficult but vital role in helping students process any tragedy of this scale. Below are a few resources that you may find helpful in reinforcing a sense of safety as you talk with student(s) about this tragedy in an age-appropriate context:

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Educators (infographic) - National Association of School Psychologists
• Hablarles a los niños sobre violencia: consejos para padres y educadores (infographic) - National Association of School Psychologists
• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers - National Association of School Psychologists
• Parent Guidelines for helping youth after a shooting - National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• Explaining the News to our Kids - Common Sense Media
• PUSD Wellness Resources

Please know that our team is here to support you - to listen and to help students and staff feel physically and emotionally safe.

We continually work to address safety as a top priority via multiple strategies that include promoting cultures of kindness and inclusion through daily practices, maintaining strong partnerships with the local public safety agencies including the Pleasanton Police Department, and annually updating comprehensive School Safety Plans.

Every member of our PUSD community plays an important role in maintaining public safety, and we encourage families to engage in these important conversations with their students.

Support is available for staff, students, and families throughout the Pleasanton community. If you are in need of support, please do not hesitate to reach out."

Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA), California’s 15th congressional district representative, issued this statement Tuesday night:

"I wish I could look at my three small children and promise them they will always be safe at their schools. But, that would be a lie. America continues to arm the most dangerous people to the teeth -- leaving every innocent child vulnerable to being shot inside their classroom.

America has a mass shooter problem. And it’s not a policy defect. It’s by Republican design. GOP policies have allowed the most dangerous people to access the most dangerous weapons. Passing background checks and an assault weapons ban is long overdue."

Golden State lawmakers took swift action Wednesday to pass a bill to allow private citizens to file suits against manufacturers of illegal assault weapons or untraceable ghost guns.

Below are additional resources for families.

• American Psychological Association (APA): Helping your Child Manage Distress In The Aftermath Of A School Shooting
• National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Your Children About Violence
• Commonsense Media: Explaining The News To Our Kids
• Commonsense Media: How To Talk To Kids About School ShootingsChildmind.org
• Anxiety Over School Shootings

See also: 'Enough!' Warriors Coach Steve Kerr Gives Impassioned Plea On Shooting