A young life was lost on September 17, 2010 due to drinking and driving. Each time this occurs, we are reminded of just how fragile life is and how quickly it can be taken from us. The families of the students involved and the students themselves will never be the same. When a tragedy such as this one presents itself to our community, everyone rallies to aid the healing. I wish to commend Novato Fire District, Captain Bill Tyler, Novato Police Department, Lieutenant Rich Hill, California Highway Patrol, Sergeant Brian Yops,  Public Information Officer, Chris Rardin, and the Coroner's office, Gary Tindel. They were at the scene within minutes of the accident and supervised teams of outstanding individuals who were bringing aid to a horrific accident.  The deeply stricken driver of the cattle truck also assisted at the scene with a heavy heart. These exceptional men and women also assisted in meeting with families of the injured and deceased, a task completed with dignity and great respect. NHS administration and staff, the NUSD Board of Trustees and I are grateful to these agencies whose heroic efforts often go unnoticed.

What can we learn from this tragedy? Those of us educators that have experienced this in the past, and really just three short years ago in Novato, are plagued with the question of what more can be done. We hosted Every 15 Minutes at both high schools last year, we have drug and alcohol counseling and education at our schools K-12, we have a required health class for all 9^th graders to ensure the discussion of drinking and driving takes priority. We have assemblies and once funded, DARE, for all fifth graders.  We are participating in the Squires Program with San Quentin. We have the Interquest Detection Canine Program. These are not enough to address this community issue. Again, we must join together through our citywide Blue Ribbon Task Force to bring more education to our youth. Working together we can continue to share the dangers of drinking and driving to avoid decisions that lead to tragedy. Please consider stepping forward to join this effort and prevent glamorization of drinking in our society.

What do we know of the condition of each of our students?  One sixteen year old is deceased, another is in very critical condition, two are in stable condition and one has been released. One student faces four counts of DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges.  All the families are mourning the loss of a child, a friend, and know that they will never be the same. The siblings of the deceased and the other family members are hurting and need our support as well. The parents are trying to make sense of reality and pulling their lives together for the sake of the children who remain. While the media is focused on making the news, those of us in NUSD are mourning the loss of a life, trying to help our students through this difficult time, and planning interventions.

On Monday, September 20, 2010, we will have support systems at the NHS campus as well as Hill, San Jose, and Hamilton. At NHS, we will establish a press room in the performing arts center, a memorial will be set up in the center of the campus, grief counseling will be provided, and class and individual counseling will be available. We are planning for grade level assemblies with intervention speakers being planned. We have curtailed the homecoming activities for the week, but Back to School Night on Thursday night will continue as planned.

As we grapple with this tragedy as a community, we are reminded of fragility of life. Hug your kids every time they leave the house and tell them that you love them. Each day we have together on this earth is a blessing.

Sincerely,

Jan LaTorre-Derby, Ed.D.

Superintendent