September 6, 2024
Dear SAU 90 Families,
Although I had hoped to be able to reduce my newsletters to monthly, there will be times when it will be necessary to communicate with you regarding events that are important to keep you informed about, and this week is one of those times.
We were extremely saddened to hear of the tragic shooting that took place at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, this week. While we don’t know all the specifics behind this terrible act of violence, we offer our deepest condolences and share in the sorrow of the families and loved ones of those who were lost.
As always, our staff will be closely monitoring students and counseling support is available to anyone who may need it. If your child learns of this event and has questions or concerns, we urge parents to talk to their children about it so they may be able to communicate any anxiety, confusion, or other impacts they may be feeling.
I’d like to share the following resources to assist you in having these difficult conversations:
â—Ź Child Mind Institute: Helping Children Cope With Frightening News
â—Ź National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Children About Violence
This type of senseless violence has happened far too frequently over the years and every time we see it, it is another step back we take as a nation.
As we have just started our new school year, I want to reiterate to the community that the safety and well-being of our schools, students, faculty, and staff is paramount and a top priority for our district. Should any student or member of their family have questions or concerns, they are encouraged to reach out to their respective schools’ administration or directly to my office.
As previously shared, First Student, our contracted transportation provider, has informed us of the possibility of a job action by its unionized drivers as they are in the process of negotiating a new contract. While we are hopeful that negotiations will end successfully, we wanted to follow up on a recent email.
Although we cannot predict what will happen next week, I ask that you begin thinking about transportation alternatives should a job action occur. These may include carpooling, or weather permitting, walking or riding a bike if you live within close proximity to the school. We have been informed by First Student that negotiations will resume on September 10th and any potential job action would happen after September 11th. They remain committed to not seeing that happen.
Our administrative team is considering several district-wide and building-level options to accommodate students and families should there be a change in bus service in the coming weeks. We also are examining ways that we can support families who do not have flexible schedules and cannot find alternate transportation for their child. This will include opportunities to drop students off earlier to accommodate work schedules.
I want to assure you that superintendents and transportation directors across the state are collaborating as well, sharing their ideas and expertise. Superintendents also are discussing this situation with the Commissioner of Education. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We remain in regular contact with First Student and promise to keep you up to date as more information becomes available.
Warmly,
Dr. Lois Costa
Superintendent