1. TRAGEDY RESPONSE: Lessons Learned From School Violence

2. What We Learned School Crisis:  Destroyed our sense of safety and security  Resulted in a heightened sense of vulnerability and helplessness  Disrupted our coping and problem-solving capabilities

3. Crisis Plan â Prevent chaos from escalating into a catastrophic situation â Have One â Make Sure Roles are Clearly Defined – Organizational Role/Rank is in Place â Hold “Dry” Runs & Rehearsals â Know when you need more help

4. The District and the City â District: immediate response to school â Release of students â Crime Scene - immediate security of school, restricted access â School District PIO and Fire PIO coordinated release of information at scene â Crisis communication center at City Hall- City PIO/City Manger/District Admin/

5. Communications â Identify School Officials -Not a Time for Egos â One Phone Number – live â Don’t Chase Rumors â Move Communications Center AWAY from Crime Scene â Jointly release information - District, City, County, Medical officials

6. Media  No Media on Campus  Set Clear and Strict Boundaries l 57-minute emergency event l 7-day media event  Jointly released information - District, City, County, Medical officials  Used the Media to Disseminate Important Information

7. Collaboration â Counselors from other districts â Community counselors and therapists â Hospitals â Churches â National Organization for Victim’s Assistance â Red Cross â Massage therapists; comfort dogs â Businesses (donated food, teddy bears, books…)

8. Re-entry to School âOpen House on Memorial Day âNo media were allowed âMultiple "support" rooms âUniformed police on campus through remainder of school year

9. Students Return to Class âFree breakfast and lunch âCounselors in every class, multiple "support" rooms âMental Health counselors at THS through remainder of year âAcademic adjustments

10. Effects of Trauma on Learning 4 Range of involuntary reactions 4 Sense of fear and distrust of students may prevent students from re-engaging in school life and learning 4 Different behavior = developmental stages

11. Long-Term Follow Up 1 - 3 Years â Posttraumatic Stress training for staff â National/Local Trauma Specialists â Additional counselors at THS < 2 during first year < 1 additional until all students graduated â Thurston Assistance Center â Legal Support â Memorial

12. “Work hard to find that balance between mourning the past, treasuring the present, and keeping hope for the future.” Marleen Wong Director of District Crisis Teams for the Los Angeles Unified School District.