December 17, 2012

Dear Oak Knoll Parents,

It is my hope that the communications from the Superintendent's office have helped reassure your family that the District has been addressing the issue of school security. Beginning today, we will reevaluate the entire plan to see what revisions and new strategies might be implemented.

On Friday, when we started receiving the first reports of the tragedy, I directed teachers not to discuss the shooting with students. I also had teachers cancel access to the internet for Friday afternoon. It remains our plan not to discuss this tragedy with students. If for whatever reason it becomes necessary to address the issue with students, we will give short, simple, age appropriate responses. Teachers will inform parents of questions or conversations that might have taken place at school.

As we begin a review our school policies, an equally important question might be, what is our community going to do to help protect us? I believe the community has a responsibility to take action on behalf of its children on the issues firearm regulation, mental health support, and the other factors that have previously been linked to the school tragedies. If a real difference is to be made, citizens must come together to solve the very large problems that are often the underlying contributors to these horrible acts. As I have reviewed the many suggested informational and supportive internet sites, I believe the very best site for parent advice comes from Mr. Rodgers. Please check out this link: http://www.fci.org/new-site/par-tragic-events.html. Please feel free to contact me with any of your questions or suggestions.

Sincerely,


David Ackerman, Principal
Oak Knoll School
phone: 650-854-4433