Boston Marathon

Good Evening-

It goes without saying that the news coming out of Boston challenges our belief system. Our belief in our safety, our belief in what people are capable of, and our belief in where we go from here. On the other hand, many marathon runners crossed the finish line and immediately went to give blood, many race volunteers and emergency personnel ran TO the dangers that existed to help victims, and many race spectators and participants stayed in the restricted area to help those who were injured. Our Nation responds strongly and in a unified way when confronted. It is this confrontation that causes people, especially middle and high school students, to ask questions, feel uncomfortable, and wonder if we are indeed safe.

This is natural. If I learned one thing from being a superintendent on 9-11-2001, there will be a lot of information learned in the next 12-24 hours that will provide clarity to the situation (it is 8:20 p.m. on Monday evening as I write this blog). There will also be a lot of rumors and false story lines as well. Our staff will not add to that. We will listen to the students as this situation unfolds and answer questions that they might have. If they are having difficulty, we will make sure that they are referred to a counselor as we do with other situations that arise.

The Boston Marathon is a very popular and very well attended race. I am sure that a parent, student, or staff member was in attendance, so we just want to make sure that anyone who needs it gets the proper support that they need.

Thank you and let's hope for swift justice.

Chris