Dear PYLUSD Community,
In recent days, you or your students may have heard about or been directly affected by the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East. You may have even heard about a reported statement from a former Hamas leader calling for a global day of action today, October 13. As such, I am writing you to reassure you that our school campuses are safe and to offer resources for helping our students and others cope with troubling events such as this one.
To ensure the safety of our schools, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) administrators have remained in close contact with our local law enforcement partners and the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC), which is comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Both our local law enforcement partners and OCIAC have informed us that the statements about the global day of action are not indicative of any specific or credible threats to our area or our school district.
Please know that the safety of our campuses is always our top priority. Our staff will continue to monitor our campuses and communities closely along with our local law enforcement partners. The district has several initiatives, programs, and practices in place to ensure that all students and staff are afforded the opportunity to learn and work in a safe and secure environment.
Next, we recognize that some may struggle with information they have heard or seen online surrounding this conflict. We have included several resources below to assist those who are affected. School staff are also prepared to provide mental health and other support to students as needed. If a student needs assistance, please refer them to the front office of their respective school site or to their school counselor. You may also consider visiting our Counseling, Wellness, and Mental Health web page at www.pylusd.org/mentalhealth, which provides a variety of resources for students, staff, and families.
As we navigate the challenges of the world, we are reminded that every single adult in our school community contributes to the well-being of our students. On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to thank you for everything you do to provide a safe and nurturing environment on our campuses.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alex Cherniss
Superintendent of Schools
Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
Putting Kids First
acherniss@pylusd.org
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How to help children cope with tragic events
Orange County Department of Education (OCDE)
Helping children with tragic events in the news
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
Coping with tragedy
California Department of Education (CDE)
Coping with a disaster or traumatic event
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
