October 24, 2022
Dear Confluence Families and Staff,
Today has been horrific for our whole community. As a parent, I want my children to be safe. As a school leader, it’s my job to make sure the children in our Confluence Academies family are safe while in our care. My heart is with the families whose lives will never be the same and everyone at Saint Lous Public Schools who led a quick response, even through their own trauma.
All schools have plans in place to protect our students, faculty, and staff in an event like the shooting this morning at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School. We work with safety experts and local law enforcement to plan for the worst days we can imagine—days like today. While none of our Confluence schools or students were under threat today, we did place all our schools under a soft lockdown as a precaution, meaning that no visitors were allowed but movement within schools remained as normal. And though many details of today’s events are still unknown, it appears that a rapid and decisive police response may have saved many more lives, and we are grateful for that.
The trauma of an event like this, especially one in our own community, will touch parents, guardians, students, teachers, and staff in different ways and at different times. I want you all to know that we are here to support you. Each of our schools has onsite and available BJC licensed therapists, social workers, and additional support; and I hope that any of you who need emotional and social support reach out to them or a school leader for help. For parents and guardians, in addition to emotional support they themselves might need, guidance on how to talk to children about frightening subjects can help relieve some of the anxiety that they may be feeling. Please reach out to your school’s principal for support.
Finally, let me urge all of you to speak up if you see or hear something which may be a safety concern. Let a teacher, administrator, or school safety officer know. Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.
As a parent, I know I will hug my children a little tighter tonight. As a school leader, I know that our community will support each other, and the families shattered by today’s tragedy.
Sincerely,
Dr. Carter-Oliver
CEO of Confluence Academies