'Deeply Saddened': Greendale Schools React To Texas School Shooting

GREENDALE, WI — Greendale school and police officials are reacting to the mass shooting that left 19 children and two teachers dead in Texas with an increase in police visibility around Greendale schools this week and tips for the community.

A gunman killed 19 children and two educators at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on Tuesday, The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed to multiple outlets. The gunman was killed after the shooting. Uvalde marks the deadliest school shooting in America since a gunman opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012, The New York Times reported.

Officials in Greendale reacted to the news on Wednesday with shock, sadness, and resources for parents and students. Greendale Superintendent Kim Amidzich sent a letter sent to district families.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with the families, students, staff and the entire community impacted from this senseless act of violence," Amidzich said.

The Greendale Police Department also reacted, and said it will increase its visibility at Greendale schools, inside and outside, throughout the rest of the school year, the agency announced in a Facebook statement.

"No parent should have to feel afraid to send their child off to school in the morning and our hope is that our extra presence at the schools will help put your mind at ease," Greendale police wrote.

Police encouraged everyone in the community to stay proactive and diligent in reporting potential threats. The department can be contacted at 414-423-2121.

SEE ALSO: Wisconsin Officials React After 19 Children Killed In Texas School

Read the full statement from Superintendent Amidzich:

We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas yesterday. Our hearts and thoughts are with the families, students, staff and the entire community impacted from this senseless act of violence.

School safety is a matter always on our minds as parents, educators and administrators. School should and must be a place where students feel completely safe and secure. Greendale Schools has systems in place to ensure our students and staff are physically and emotionally safe at school. We work regularly with the Greendale Police and Fire Departments, Milwaukee County emergency services, and other area law enforcement to review our practices regarding school safety. I am in contact with our School Resource Officers and Chief Rosenow to have an increased police presence in and around our buildings for the rest of the week.

As a parent or guardian, you are in an excellent position to help your child cope after a disaster, crisis or emergency. Our shared goal is to respond in a manner that helps them to cope and does not cause further trauma or undue distress to our students. For our children's emotional health, it is important that we find that "just right" response to help our youth understand and move forward. The information below is provided to help you support your family. Additional resources are also shared on the district Schools Safety & Student Wellness webpage.

If you or your student need additional support, the Greendale Schools' Pupil Services Team is available to help you. Please reach out to your school principal or team member directly. The Student and Family Assistance Program (SFAP) provides six free visits with Master's-level counselors. You can call SFAP directly for assistance at (800) 236-3231 and mention you are a family in the Greendale School District. More information on SFAP is available on the website. Additionally, you, or your child can text HOPELINE to 741741 - from anywhere, anytime, about any type of challenge or struggle. Help and hope is just a text away.™

Please join us in keeping the students, staff, and families of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District in our thoughts at this time.

Sincerely,
Kim Amidzich, Ph.D.Superintendent

Greendale schools offered a host of resources for families. You can find those resources on the district's website.

Officials from across Wisconsin also reacted to the news of the deadly shooting. Democrat Gov. Tony Evers spoke to the state in a video address Wednesday afternoon.

"'Heartbroken' does not cover it," Evers said, "not for the lives taken, not for the families ripped apart and forever changed, not for communities that have had to work to respond, to console, and heal."

"We cannot accept that gun violence just happens. We cannot accept that kids might go to school and never come home. Our families are living in fear. Our kids are learning in fear," said Evers.

State Superintendent Jill Underly also put out a statement on Wednesday.

"Kids need to be safe in their schools. Educators need to be safe in their schools. Parents and families trust schools to keep their children safe. And right now, they are not safe," Underly said.

SEE ALSO: Texas School Shooting: 19 Children Killed In Uvalde