HRCSD Message

May 25, 2022

HRCSD MessageMay 25, 2022

Dear Hood River County School District staff and families,


We are deeply saddened about yesterday’s shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Our hearts are broken for the students, families, and their community. We extend our sincerest sympathies to those individuals and families impacted by this tragic event.


Two core values of Hood River County School District are safety and student and staff wellness.


We prioritize emergency preparedness, including drawing awareness to response protocols and practicing them. As a school district, this tragedy marks an important time to remind students, staff, parents, and community members about the precautions, procedures, and notification methods used in emergency situations.


Students are encouraged to share with a trusted adult any information that is concerning to them. “See something, say something” is a critical and proven part of preventing incidents of school violence. Please encourage your student to speak up if they see something distressing. Students can report their concerns to a school administrator or school counselor. Additionally, students can report their concerns electronically via the SafeOregon tip line. To submit an anonymous tip or incident report, use one of the three following methods:



Hood River County School District (HRCSD) has strong partnerships with law enforcement and emergency services providers within Hood River County. Together, HRCSD and first responders meet regularly, to discuss prevention strategies, conduct joint drills and focus on response plans for serious safety incidents. As a school district and county, there are procedures to stop an incident quickly and keep students and staff safe. Furthermore, there are established processes to reconnect families with their children at an offsite location in a safe and orderly manner.


HRCSD has a variety of communication channels available to keep students, staff, and parents informed if a serious safety incident were to occur at a school. To find information about an incident, individuals can expect the following:


  • The HRCSD website will serve as the main source of information and updates.
  • Messages will be sent through email, text, and phone, to families of the affected school(s).
  • Depending on the nature of the incident, messages may be sent out as a mass notification through FlashAlert.net and on social media.


We recommend you regularly discuss how school is going with your student, the importance of taking ownership over the safety of their school, and the importance of sharing information with adults regarding potentially dangerous situations. The event in Uvalde may be traumatic for your student. If you think your student needs extra support, you can contact the main office of their school or their school counselor. Additionally, students can make an appointment with their school counselor anytime they need.


Our Hood River County community is strong. Please reach out to us if you know of a student who needs help. We will continue to focus on building relationships and making sure students have the support they need so they are safe, known, and welcome.


Trying to make sense of the tragic event that happened in Texas yesterday and finding the words to share with your children to help them feel safe may seem impossible. Hug them. Tell them you love them.


Thank you, HRCSD staff and families, for your partnership in keeping our schools as safe as possible. Please join me in keeping the Uvalde community in your hearts and thoughts.


Warmest regards,


Rich Polkinghorn, Superintendent