April 17, 2013

Dear San Bernardino City Unified School District Parents and Guardians:

We are shocked and saddened to hear about the senseless violence that occurred in Boston on Monday.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have experienced a tragic loss and those whose loved ones are among the injured.

Although the tragedy is thousands of miles away and not directly related to our San Bernardino and Highland community, I wanted to take this moment to reassure you that we will continue to take the necessary steps to keep our schools safe for everyone.

A key component of our new Strategic Plan is a belief that strong interpersonal relationships based in trust empower individuals and communities.  For this reason, our District Police Department is continuing to develop solid partnerships through our new Safety Task Force, made up of neighboring law enforcement agencies, clergy, and concerned citizens who are committed to maintaining a safe community for all. 

In addition, our school counselors are professionally trained to help students process events like the one that took place in Boston on Monday.  School counselors will be available to students today and throughout the week.  If you wish to address the events with your child, tips available at the National Association of School Psychologists, www.nasponline.org, will help you.

I want to remind parents and students that you play a vital role in ensuring that our schools are safe.  You are encouraged to report suspicious behavior to school administrators or through the anonymous Students Against Weapons (SAW) Hotline at (909) 388-6043.  If you would like to attend a Safety Task Force meeting, please call 388-6030.  If you are interested in participating in the implementation of our new Strategic Plan, please call 381-1250 or visit www.sbcusd.com/strategicplanning to learn more about the plan.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and for continuing to be a partner in your child's education. 

Sincerely

Dale Marsden, Ed.D.

Superintendent