The following is a letter sent to Bothell High School parents on the assault that took place yesterday:
Dear Northshore Staff & Families,
At approximately 4:15 PM yesterday, Thursday May 19, a Bothell High School teacher was seriously assaulted after school hours in his classroom. The staff member was discovered by a fellow staff member who immediately provided assistance and called 911. Emergency responders placed the BHS campus in lockdown and conducted an extensive campus and neighborhood search. At approximately 7:00 PM, the lockdown was lifted and students remaining on campus were released. The assaulted staff member was transferred to Harborview and was fortunately released home late last night. An active police investigation remains in effect, and the District and Bothell Police remain in close contact and cooperation.
Out of an abundance of caution for student and staff safety and the integrity of the ongoing police investigation, classes were canceled at BHS for today, Friday May 20. Extra counseling supports were available for staff today and will remain available for staff and students when classes resume at BHS on Monday. Police and district security staff will maintain a heightened presence at and around BHS as well.
This is an alarming – and highly unusual – situation. While the BHS school community faces the greatest impact, the concerns for student and staff safety naturally extend to all Northshore school communities. Our schools are and remain fundamentally safe places for our kids, staff and families. School safety is our highest priority, and all schools have safety and security measures in place and regularly practice a range of safety drills. School safety is maintained through our collective efforts to remain vigilant and aware of events on and around each school campus. As a reminder, steps each of us can take include:
Following all building safety and security procedures, including checking in at the office to obtain a visitor pass; wearing staff identification badges; and re-directing visitors on campus who may not have checked into the office.
Being alert for individuals or situations on and around campus that appear out of the ordinary and immediately reporting those to school staff, administration and/or law enforcement.
Keeping classroom and access doors locked and secured. I recognize that locking doors creates an inconvenience and may require adjustments to current procedures. Events such as this remind us all of the benefits gained by accepting a small level of inconvenience in the name of enhanced safety for all.
Avoiding speculation and sharing of unconfirmed information and rumors, particularly on social media. When law enforcement must chase down inaccurate speculation and rumors, valuable time, attention and resources are unnecessarily diverted.
Traumatic events like this can lead to anxiety and fears in all, particularly in students. Attached are some resources with tips on identifying and responding to the range of emotions and reactions students may present. If your child is particularly impacted, please notify the school principal or your child’s counselor so that extra attention and support can be provided. Likewise, all school staff have access to Far West services, the District’s Employee Assistance Program provider.
I know I speak for many across the Northshore community when I say that my thoughts, prayers and wishes for a full and speedy recovery go out to the injured BHS staff member and the entire BHS school community. Times like this remind us of the importance of standing together and supporting one another when one branch of the Northshore family tree experiences such a tragic event. Over my eight years as Northshore superintendent, I have time and again witnessed our students, staff and families demonstrating the best qualities of this compassionate and caring community in response such events. Through gestures large and small, the support you provide to those most impacted means more than you may ever know.
Truly,
Larry Francois, Superintendent
Links
Helping Children Cope With Loss, Death, and Grief Tips for Teachers and Parents
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
