A+ Statement on Tragedy at STEM School Highlands Ranch

A+ is incredibly saddened by the events that took place at STEM School Highlands Ranch on Tuesday afternoon. Our hearts go out to the entire school community, the victims who were injured, and the young hero’s family and friends. We find ourselves grappling with the 15th school shooting in 2019 alone and an unacceptable reality for our kids.

This cannot become our new normal. Schools are places for students to explore, to grow, and to make sense of the world. But school shootings don’t and will never make sense. Fear, and the risk of a school shooting, makes the task of learning, and the process of teaching and engaging with students far more challenging.

A+ stands with school communities and calls for better access to resources for students’ safety and well-being. Students deserve and should have access to social emotional tools and mental health supports. Facilitating communication and healthy conversations between adults and children is necessary, especially during times of adversity and distress.

Visit Safe2Tell to anonymously report threatening activity. Additionally, anyone can speak with a trained crisis counselor now through Colorado Crisis Services by calling 1-844-493-8255 or texting “TALK” to 38255.