Would you support the district sending a gun safety notice to parents/guardians informing them of their legal obligation to properly secure any guns in the home?

I do not think enough noise is being made about gun safety, which is of tremendous concern especially during COVID-19 when so many of us are living in isolation with all the added stressors that current work/life/schooling circumstances entail.

I am in strong support that AUSD should send a gun safety notice to parents and guardians about the importance of and legal obligation to store firearms at home securely to prevent children and teens at home from accessing them. Knowing that our students are attending school from home for the foreseeable future, there is a clear responsibility on the district to ensure that this environment not only supports education by providing access to materials, technology, and meals, but that the environment is also as safe as possible.

In addition to the district, I would like to see broader community outreach about gun safety through a joint effort between the school board, PTAC and the PTA's. Continual messaging about the importance of gun safety to ensure our students fully understand the dangers that could be in their home, or the home of a friend, relative, neighbor, or classmate is critical, especially when we know some children will be left alone or unsupervised during distance learning. 

Addressing gun safety must continue beyond COVID. The idea of guns and school safety has been of growing concern since the fateful event at Columbine High School. But when it finally struck home for me was when the tragedy at Sandyhook Elementary took place, the year that my youngest child was in 1st grade, the same age as so many who lost their lives that day. My voice joined others in saying, "never again", writing letters to the administration, joining marches, and even participating in a local art installation called The Things We Lost Remembered. This project, which featured students, teachers, and parents from a local elementary school, was an opportunity to express the deep fear that enveloped the hearts, minds, and souls of communities across this country.  I'm still very proud that my son, Finn, was able to join the effort, even knowing now that we have continued to fail. 

In our district, we have invested in training and drills for onsite responses to gun violence. We should now also invest in educating our students and families on how to be safe and responsible at home, and we need teachers to have the training and “permission” to escalate need they see during e-learning - who looks tired, not participating, absent - to ensure we are keeping eyes on our kids and making sure needs are addressed. 

Knowing that one of the key methods to preventing gun violence is mental health, we also have an opportunity to redirect the funding previously designated for school resource officers towards supports such as more counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals for our students.

My time spent working for Seneca Family of Agencies and First 5 Association, complimented by my time on the Girls Inc of the Island City board, has provided me with a deep understanding of the interplay between social-emotional well-being, resilient communities, and a child's ability to thrive. It is more important than ever that we remain dedicated to safety and connection to one another so that we can address the root of problems that cause a child to turn to violence against themselves or others. 

Photo by Anne Kohler