In response to the tragedy in Uvalde, TX, HSD flags will be flown at half-mast and Superintendent Steve Marshall details school safety efforts in a message to the community.
Flags Ordered at Half-Mast by Governor Jay Inslee
Governor Inslee hereby directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff immediately, in honor and remembrance of the victims who tragically lost their lives on May 24, 2022, at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Saturday, May 28, 2022, or first thing Tuesday morning, May 31.
Governor Inslee also hereby directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff on Monday, May 30, 2022, in recognition of Memorial Day. This federal holiday is in remembrance of those who lost their lives while serving in the country’s armed forces.
Flags should remain at half-staff until noon on Monday, May 30, 2022, or first thing Tuesday morning, May 31.
Message from HSD Superintendent Speaks to School Safety Efforts
May 25, 2022
Dear HSD Community:
Yesterday, a school shooting at a Texas elementary school claimed the lives of nineteen children and two adults. It is impossible to make sense of a disturbing event like this. Schools are a place of community, learning, and discovery. They should never be a place of violence and fear.
I regret to acknowledge that, though extremely rare, school shootings are a reality in our country and world. It is natural to be alarmed and fearful for the safety of students and school employees. Although I cannot guarantee the safety of everyone in our schools, I can assure you that safety is not an occasional consideration in Hockinson. It is an ongoing commitment. Aside from annual safety trainings for all employees and recent School Safety Trainings for our campus security monitors, I want to make you aware that our safety practices include:
Site-based safety committees that meet on a monthly basis and a district-wide safety committee that meets to resolve any school safety issues.
Participation in the annual Clark County School Safety Summit and Clark County Safe Schools Task Force, which consists of representatives from area school districts and law enforcement agencies.
Comprehensive school safety plans and monthly safety drills that address a variety of scenarios, including internal and external lockdowns and shelter-in-place situations.
Also, each of our buildings has been enabled to regulate visitor access and “lock out” outside threats.
As illustrated by this and other similar incidents, ensuring school safety is a responsibility that is shared by staff, students, and our families. Shooters often exhibit warning signs through behaviors or communications before they commit acts of violence. Moving forward, I ask that everyone be on the lookout for such warning signs and notify schools with those concerns. There is also an anonymous reporting link on the HSD website under “Students & Families.”
I also wanted to make you aware that a memorial fund has been set up for the families of the victims. If interested, donations can be mailed to:
First State Bank of Uvalde at 200 E Nopal St.
Uvalde, TX 78801
Checks need to be made payable to the “Robb School Memorial Fund.” I do not believe there is an electronic payment option at this time.
Horrific events like the one at Robb Elementary School can make us feel helpless and, at times, a little hopeless. Keep in mind that there is a lot of hope in the Hockinson School District. It is represented by our students, but also by all of us - building leaders, staff, and community - who I know will work together to provide them with the safest possible school environment in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Steve Marshall
Superintendent