HANOVER SCHOOL DISTRICT 28

Dear Hanover School District 28 Families and Community,

We know recent events in schools across the country have many of us feeling worried and wanting to do everything we can to keep our kids safe. As your school district team, we want to have an honest conversation with you about safety and how we can all work together to protect what matters most – our children.

We’re Here to Keep Your Kids Safe

Your child’s safety is what drives everything we do. Think of it like a three-layered safety net: we partner closely with local police (like having extra eyes and ears), we keep our emergency plans fresh and practiced (like fire drills, but for all kinds of situations), and our staff trains regularly so they know exactly what to do if anything concerning comes up. We’re always looking for ways to make that safety net even stronger.

It Takes All of Us

Creating a safe school is like tending a garden – it works best when everyone pitches in. We’re here as your partners, and we want you to feel comfortable reaching out anytime something doesn’t feel right. No concern is too small.

Signs That a Young Person Might Need Extra Support

Sometimes kids show us they’re struggling before anything serious happens. Here’s what to keep an eye out for – think of these as early warning signs that your child might need some extra care:

• Changes in how they act: Suddenly pulling away from family and friends, big mood swings, or sleeping and eating very differently than usual
• Troubling interests: Getting really focused on violence, weapons, or past school tragedies; creating scary drawings, stories, or social media posts
• Feeling alone: Losing friends, being picked on or picking on others, feeling like everyone is against them
• School struggles: Grades dropping out of nowhere, missing school a lot, or losing interest in things they used to love
• Weapon concerns: Showing unusual interest in or getting access to guns or other weapons
• Scary words: Making threats against people or the school – even if they say they’re “just kidding”
• Emotional pain: Signs of sadness, worry, feeling hopeless, or talking about hurting themselves

 When You Notice Something Concerning

• Have a caring, judgment-free conversation with your child
• Reach out to our school counselors or principals right away – we’re here to help, not judge
• Consider getting professional support if needed
• Make sure weapons or dangerous items aren’t accessible
• Trust your gut – we’d rather you call about something that turns out to be nothing than wish you had spoken up

Help is Available

We can assist with counseling and are ready to support your family, and we can connect you with other resources in our community. Please don’t try to handle everything alone – that’s what we’re here for.

Looking Ahead Together

While we can’t promise to prevent every possible problem (just like we can’t prevent every scraped knee on the playground), we can create a place where kids feel safe, cared for, and connected. Every adult in our community – teachers, parents, neighbors, coaches – plays a part in wrapping our children in safety and support.

Our kids deserve to focus on learning, growing, and being kids without fear hanging over them. Together, we’re going to keep working toward that goal every single day.

Need to Reach Us?

• Immediate safety concerns: Contact your child’s principal, Student Family Advocate, or call 911
• Other questions or concerns: Call us at 719-683-2247

We’re grateful to be on this journey with you, protecting and nurturing the amazing kids in our care.

With hope in our hearts and commitment to your children’s safety and well-being,

Mark McPherson
Superintendent