Today, I think we again experienced a tremendous breach in our sense of safety and security. As a community, we want our schools to be a refuge and a safe haven for children and adults. This is, however, a time when we get a stark reminder that our schools are just a part of a society that is vulnerable.
We’re going through that world of grieving for a wonderful lady. Today should have been a normal day for this young professional to take care of her kids.
Out of concern for the close-knit staff at Birney Elementary, we have chosen to cancel school on Monday. Instead, we will have the staff only gather there with our crisis team counselors so they can get comfortable again in the school environment.
We plan to welcome back students on Tuesday and offer them the love and support they need, but Monday will be a day for the adults in our school family at Birney.
Special Note:
Associated Ministries will host a Moment of Blessing at 5 p.m. Monday, March 1 at Birney Elementary School.
At 6 p.m. there will be a Birney Family Gathering for faculty and parents of Birney students in the Birney gym. Immediately following this gathering, the United Lutheran Church will host a community vigil in Jennifer Paulson’s honor.