Dear PSD community,
Many of you may have seen reports about today’s shooting at Evergreen High School in Jefferson County. Our hearts are with the students, families, and educators impacted by this tragedy, and with the entire Jeffco Public Schools community.
As educators, parents, and neighbors, we are devastated for the community of Evergreen High School. Moments like this remind us that safety, connection, and care for one another must remain at the center of everything we do in PSD.
As we continue to hear more about this tragedy, young people and adults alike in our community may feel fear, sadness, anger, or numbness. Those reactions are normal. You are not alone, and support is available (see resources below).
PSD remains committed to keeping our schools safe. We do so by:
- Following the nationally recognized Standard Response Protocol (SRP) — Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter — used by districts across Colorado.
- Practicing safety procedures during the year with staff and students.
- Collaborating with School Resource Officers and local law-enforcement partners.
- Using multidisciplinary threat assessment practices in our schools.
- Encouraging anyone to report safety concerns anonymously at Safe2Tell (1-877-542-7233 or safe2tell.org).
We also want to assure our community that we are not aware of any threats to PSD schools related to this incident. Any time there is a potential threat to our community, we will communicate promptly through official channels.
Supports for Students, Staff, and Families
- School counselors & mental health teams: Contact your school’s main office to be connected.
- SummitStone 24/7 Crisis Line / Behavioral Health Urgent Care: 970-494-4200 (ext. 4); walk-in help available in Fort Collins.
- I Matter / Yo Importo (free youth therapy, up to 6 sessions): imattercolorado.org (English) | yoimportocolorado.org (Español).
- CAYAC (Child, Adolescent & Young Adult Connections): 970-221-5551 for navigation to local mental-health services.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support; Spanish-language help available.
There are a number of ways to help children process difficult news about incidents like this in schools. These include listening, validating feelings, limiting graphic media exposure, and reminding them of the caring adults and safety plans around them. If your student needs support, please reach out to your school.
Thank you for partnering with us to care for one another and keep our schools safe.
Sincerely,
Brian Kingsley
Superintendent