Open Letter From Supt. Lance Stout To The Parents of USD 480 Students

All of us in USD 480 are deeply saddened by the tragic events that unfolded in Newtown, Connecticut last Friday. Certainly our thoughts and prayers go out to that entire community during this very difficult time.

I want to assure each of you that the safety of our students is the highest priority at USD 480. We have a Crisis Plan that is a working document for all of us to reference at any point in time. We also have a fantastic working relationship with the Liberal Police Department. Together we have implemented a School Resource Officer program that dedicates a police officer to USD 480 at all times. I can assure each and every one of you that we will continue to make every effort to provide a safe environment for our students and staff.
As you support your children over the next few weeks and help them cope with this news, please consider the following (regardless of their age):
??? Limit your child???s media viewing and online access to these events. Don???t allow the television or internet 24-hour news cycle to consume your child???s attention. If you do watch news coverage of these events, watch briefly then turn the television off to talk with your child about what happened, listen to their questions, and assure them that they are safe.
??? Assure your children that they have your love and support. Try to help them understand what happened in an age-appropriate manner. Our children need to feel safe ??? at home and at school.
??? Assure your children that they are safe at school. As tragic as the event in Connecticut is, schools are without question, one of the safest places for children. All of our schools have safety procedures in place, and all of the adults at our schools are devoted to making sure children remain safe at school. We will be reviewing and practicing these drills on a regular basis.
??? Maintain a ???normal??� routine. To the extent possible stick to your family???s normal routine for dinner, homework, chores, bedtime, etc., but don???t be inflexible. Children may have a hard time concentrating on schoolwork or falling asleep at night.
??? Safeguard your children???s physical health. Stress can take a physical toll on children as well as adults. Make sure your children get appropriate sleep, exercise, and nutrition.
Any time a tragedy like this happens, it reminds us how precious life is, and how fortunate we are to work with our community???s young people. Thank you for all you do to support our students and our staff in USD 480.
Lance D. Stout
Dr. Lance Stout
Superintendent
Unified School District #480
Liberal, KS