Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) Superintendent Carlton Jenkins released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying “the deep heartbreak we feel today has become all too familiar,” a day after 19 children and two teachers were killed by a lone gunman at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
“The disturbing frequency of these senseless acts of violence are incredibly difficult to process, with each tragedy contributing to cumulative trauma, especially when involving the loss of so many of our youngest and most precious,” Jenkins said.
President Joe Biden said he will travel to Texas to visit the victims’ families “in the coming days” and called on the United States to turn its collective pain into political action following the deadliest elementary school shooting since Sandy Hook in 2012.
You can read Jenkins’ full statement below.
It is with profound sadness we learn of yesterday’s horrific tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The deep heartbreak we feel today has become all too familiar. The disturbing frequency of these senseless acts of violence are incredibly difficult to process, with each tragedy contributing to cumulative trauma, especially when involving the loss of so many of our youngest and most precious.
We must do better. Communities, business, elected officials, and educators need to work in collaboration to provide the necessary laws and resources to keep our children and communities safe. Whether it is attending school in Uvalde, Texas; shopping in Buffalo, New York; or attending church in Laguna, California; our future generations are counting us to ensure they live in a world where; no matter who they are, where they are, what they are doing, or what they believe in, it is a world safe from a persistent threat of violence, and in a place and time where human decency is the fabric of society.
We understand how events like these can cause a significant degree of anxiety and emotional distress for our students, staff, and families. We are encouraging students who may be struggling to process recent events to reach out to their school’s Student Services staff for additional resources and support. We also know how tragedies like these can surface fears about school safety. We want to assure our school community that Madison Metropolitan School District is committed to the safety of our students and schools.
We ask you to join us in keeping the victims, families, survivors and the community of Uvalde Texas in our thoughts as they recover from their tremendous loss.
Sincerely,
Carlton D. Jenkins
Superintendent
