Tuesday, February 23, 2010

In Praise of Deer Creek Middle School

Today, at my son's school there was a shooting. It makes my heart so heavy to think that an adult would pull up to a middle school and open fire on children. It saddens me to a degree I find hard to put into words. I can only think, "why"?

I will say that the staff were above reproach in how well they handled this whole nightmare. They stuck with the evacuation plan. There was no extreme panic. Dr. Benke even tackled the rifle toting monster who was intent on killing our children. Bus drivers assisted him in holding the suspect until authorities arrived.

As a parent of a Deer Creek Middle School student, I want the staff to know how much they are appreciated; by both parents and students alike. We entrust our children to their care each and every day. In times like these, they've shown how seriously they take that task. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the staff at Deer Creek Middle School for their calm resolve, their heroism, and their caring for each and every student in their charge.

7 comments:

  1. Lisa, this is a chilling account of horror those children will never forget. It's beyond my ability to comprehend. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.

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  2. Lisa - how utterly terrifying. I can't even imagine the horror. We practice our drills for situations like this, but hope beyond hope that our practice will never be needed. I hope no one was injured? Take care.

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  3. Lisa, I saw this on the news this morning and said a prayer for all involved. When I opened Twitter a few minutes ago, I couldn't believe that your son was there! I am so glad that he is okay.

    My oldest was born right after Columbine happened (my aunt and uncle happened to live in Littleton at the time - before their area changed its name to Cenntennial).

    Even though we've never had an actual incident in our area, two years ago a man was arrested for having plans to my sons' elementary school and had posted internet letters to say he was going to attack it, and had guns in his possession. CRAZY!!!

    Since that happened, I have to say that some mornings when I've picked out their clothes for the day, I've hesitated putting them in anything bright red or bold so that they wouldn't be noticed as targets. Pretty sad.

    This must have been a terrifying experience. Thank goodness that teacher reacted the way he did!

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  4. I have no words to describe the absolute terror and disgust I feel about that man. i am so thankful your son is ok and hopeful not emotionally scarred. I am so sorry that you have to deal with something like this , Lisa, but am so thankful for that brave teacher and bus drivers for saving what could have been an absolute devestating event.

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  5. Lisa,

    You and your son are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you get through this experience okay and with no lasting damage. Thankfully there were people around who were willing to take control of the situation and protect others.

    Take care~

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  6. Me again - on a happier note, I have a blog award for you over on my blog

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  7. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers directed towards the students at Deer Creek Middle School. School resumed today. We've had several conversations surrounding school safety, etc. since the shooting. I'm sure many parents (not just those of Deer Creek students) have been having those same conversations with their young folks. It's ashame the education arena has to involve anything to do with guns or shootings but the sad fact is that sometimes it does. We have to weather these tough times as well as the typical ones of trying to get your students to study for that big test.
    Again thanks for all your warm thoughts sent our way. Here's hoping we never have to hear about another school shooting anywhere...ever.

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