Today, FCCS issued the following statement from Executive Director, Jay Artis-Wright on the deadly school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic high school shooting in Winder, GA today. Our hearts break for the lives lost and injured, their families, and the entire community affected by this senseless act of violence.
We must not become desensitized to the ongoing and horrific violence disrupting our schools, which should always be safe havens for our children. Each incident is a painful reminder of the importance of being diligent, responsive, and committed to protecting our babies from gun violence and ensuring their safety.
As a parent of school-aged children, I pray daily for their safe return home, a fear shared by many parents. This is unacceptable. FCCS stands with our school communities and remains committed to advocating for safe, nurturing environments where our children can thrive.
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We encourage school leaders to communicate with their communities. Below are three tips to guide these communications:
- Reassure Families of Safety Protocols: Emphasize your school’s safety measures, from security procedures to partnerships with local authorities. Let families know that their children’s safety is your top priority, and share ways they can support these efforts at home.
- Encourage Open Dialogue: Support families’ efforts to engage in open discussion with their children about gun violence, acknowledging their fears while providing reassurance. Offer resources such as counseling and mental health services to help students process their emotions in a healthy way. Limiting access to TV and social media coverage of the shooting for children is also encouraged.
- Promote Community Vigilance: Remind families to stay alert and report any concerns to school officials. Reinforce the importance of community collaboration in ensuring the safety of all students and staff.