'With Heavy Hearts' Watsonville Community Reacts To Texas Shooting

WATSONVILLE, CA — Following a mass shooting that killed at least 19 children and two teachers in an elementary school in Texas on Tuesday, the Watsonville community, like many around the country, felt the impact.

From Pajaro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez:

"My heart goes out to the families of the students and teachers who tragically lost their lives in Uvalde, Texas yesterday. As parents and educational colleagues, we grieve alongside the Robb Elementary School community whose lives have forever been changed. The frequency and magnitude of school shootings amplifies our need to join together as a community at this time.

All of us are deeply impacted by yesterday’s tragedy. While discussing this event may be difficult, it is also an opportunity to share with you the many resources that exist to lessen anxiety of our educational community in a genuine and compassionate way. There are many social emotional supports available through our PVUSD counseling team and our personal connections with colleagues, students and families - we are each other's strength at this time.

This tragedy reaffirms our commitment to expanding our mental health support systems. As a significant added resource, the PVUSD Family Engagement and Wellness Center was established in December 2021 to offer our families and students access to additional counseling services. This link shares information about services available during the week: Tuesdays to Fridays 11 AM to 7 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM to 4 PM. These services are available without appointment or cost, and we encourage you to utilize services as you and your family may need.

Additionally, PVPSA has provided some helpful links specifically about speaking with
children regarding this type of event.

• https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/15-tips-talking-children-about-school-violence
• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/how-to-talk-to-children-about-school-shootings
• https://www.schoolcrisiscenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Guidelines-Talking-to-Kids-About-Attacks-Two-Sided-Onesheet-Format.pdf

PVUSD maintains the health and safety of students and staff as a top priority. Our safety plans include specific ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) procedures that allow students and staff to act quickly and flexibly depending on the type of emergency.

Additionally, staff and families at PVUSD have access to an anonymous STOP IT app where anyone can safely report suspicious in-person or social media activity. The District emphasizes that all students and staff should “see something, say something”.

I wish to thank our entire educational community for your compassion and strength to engage and reaffirm that we are in a safe, caring learning environment. Thank you for your trust and support as we navigate the complexity of this event in the coming days, weeks, and months."

The City of Watsonville expressed its condolences on social media Tuesday night.

The police department said Tuesday:

"We are absolutely heartbroken by the horrific tragedy in Uvalde, Texas. Today, several lives were lost after a gunman opened fire at an elementary school. Our department joins the country in praying for every single person affected by this senseless act."

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