February 15, 2018
Dear San Bernardino City Unified Families:
Our schools remain committed to providing a safe and orderly learning environment for all students and staff. Many of you are aware of the senseless tragedy that happened on Wednesday, February 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. Although this heartbreaking shooting is thousands of miles away from us, please keep the families of those involved in this terrible situation in your thoughts and prayers.
As superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, I want to reassure you that we are committed to student, staff, and community safety. All indications are that this is an isolated incident far from our schools. However, we want to remain sensitive to our students and families who may have questions and concerns. As news streams in and images flash on TV, children may be scared and confused. Please remind them that they are safe and that there are many caring adults who are working hard to ensure their safety.
Parents, we need your help. There are three important steps you need to take to help us get important information to you quickly, especially during an emergency:
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Download the free SBCUSD app for emergency alerts and updates. Search for “San Bernardino City USD” in the App Store (Apple) or the Google Play Store.
- Sign up for text message alerts by texting “Y” or “Yes” to 67587. You must send the text from a cell phone number that is on file at your child’s school. If you have changed phone numbers recently, please update your emergency contact information at the school office.
- Visit the webpage of your child’s school and click the Peachjar icon at the top, right of the page to view important parent letters and school information. You can also receive email notifications by providing your email address to your child’s school.
Please continue to partner with us by being our eyes and ears on and off campus and reporting any safety concerns you see, including threats posted online and on social media. Students should remember, if you see something say something. Threats can be reported anonymously by calling District police at (909) 889-6833 or the WE TIP Hotline at (800) 782-7463. Tips can also be reported to District Police online at
https://secure.coplogic.com/dors/startreport/194497000. And it is important that students who may be struggling with depression, or have a classmate who is, know that they can receive help by calling the crisis walk-in clinic at (909) 421-9495, the Loma Linda University Department of Behavioral Health at
(909) 558-9275 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255. You may also visit
https://www.crisistextline.org/textline/.
Again, please keep all those involved in this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers today and in coming days. If you have any questions, please call your child’s school directly.
Sincerely,
Dale Marsden, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Download the official letter in English and Spanish.