Posted January 23, 2023
January 23, 2023
Dear DCIS Community,
The tragic mass shooting in Monterey Park, California, claiming 10 lives at a Lunar New Year celebration, is deeply upsetting. We mourn the lives lost, and we extend our compassion and sympathy to the family and community impacted. We recognize the trauma this is causing our Asian American Pacific Islander community, and we grieve for yet another example of gun violence in our country.
These resources may be helpful in talking with your children about this tragedy:
Additionally, our mental health team at DCIS stands prepared to support any students and community members who may benefit from the opportunity to speak with a special services provider at DCIS.
On a separate, but connected topic, I implore all of our parents and guardians to take additional steps to secure firearms away from children of any age. Firearm deaths are now the leading cause of death for U.S. children under the age of 18. Tragically, accidental and other gun violence claims lives in our community daily. At my partner’s school in Denver, an accidental shooting claimed the life of a 15 year-old this month and left an indelible mark on the life of the 15 year-old handling the gun, and the school community. Securing guns is an essential part of keeping our school community and our children safe. Please see these resources for guidelines:
We stand as a community grieving with our nation, and with our AAPI community in particular today.
Be well,
Marisa Vasquez
Principal
dcis.dpsk12.org