Wednesday's Tragedy in Parkland, Florida
February 15, 2018
Dear Lindbergh Community,
As we process the tragic news of yesterday’s school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we mourn for the 17 victims whose lives have been taken, and for the entire community in Parkland, Florida that is struggling in the aftermath of such a horrific event. We ask how such a tragedy could possibly happen, and we hold our children close. Events like this remind us all how necessary it is to do everything we can to protect our kids and keep them safe.
Every day, you put your trust in our teachers, administrators and support staff to keep your children safe, and we take this responsibility very seriously. School safety is a top priority for us that does not waver. You may be wondering how to talk about such an event with your children. If you are struggling with this conversation, here is an article that can help.
Like many school districts in the St. Louis area, we regularly train our teachers and staff so they are prepared to respond in the unlikely event of an intruder or threat. We are grateful to the St. Louis County Police officers who provide this valuable training, and I commend our teachers and staff for their dedication to develop professionally in this area as well. I am also extremely grateful for our security personnel and our school resource officers, Officer Paul Gordon and Officer Jeff Kriska. School Resource Officers are St. Louis County Police officers who work in our buildings every day to keep students safe.
Lindbergh’s new construction has been designed with safety in mind, and existing facilities have been upgraded with features to protect students. Further improving security and safety at LHS must remain a priority, and I want to assure parents that the Board of Education and administration are having conversations to plan forward in that direction.
In the coming days, as we watch and grieve with the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School community, we are thankful for our families, friends and community, and our hearts ache for those whose world has been torn apart by tragedy. I am truly thankful for our Lindbergh community, and for all of the members who remain committed to keeping our children safe.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jim Simpson
Superintendent