BCASA letter re school shootings 2 (1).pdf - Google Drive

BERGEN COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS 2017-2018 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT ADAM D. FRIED HARRINGTON PARK PRESIDENT-ELECT MICHAEL JORDAN MAYWOOD VICE PRESIDENT BRIAN P. GATENS EMERSON SECRETARY P. ERIK GUNDERSEN PASCACK VALLEY TREASURER JAMES ALBRO WALLINGTON MEMBER EMERITUS JOANNE MEGARGEE LEONIA NJASA REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD KUDER W YCKOFF NJASA REPRESENTATIVE KEN ROTA FORT LEE LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPH CIRILLO

February 26, 2018 To our students, their families, and our elected officials, Once again, American students, teachers, and families have to learn about, process and absorb yet another attack on an American school. The consensus is unequivocal. This is a real-life nightmare that, from all accounts, our legislative bodies are unwilling to act upon, never mind discuss in any significant way. A nightmare that haunts our students and teachers, takes away from their school and work experiences, and hangs as a dark cloud over all that is being accomplished in American schools. And yet, in light of the most recent attack in Parkland, Florida, it has become clear that America’s students, long the victim of these attacks, have become a leading voice in the need for a national conversation and action regarding gun violence. It would be an error to dismiss their loud, collective and clear voice. Their demand is simple; that our elected officials, by virtue of the ethical and moral demands of their positions, take this issue seriously and address it in a substantive way. It has been both moving and troubling to see high school students, now survivors of another horrific school shooting, plead with their elected officials for relief.

PALISADES PARK

LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE SHAUNA DEMARCO LYNDHURST IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT MATTHEW MURPHY RAMSEY INTERIM EXECUTIVE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH ZARRA PAST PRESIDENTS: C. LAUREN SCHOEN MAHWAH PATRICK FLETCHER RIVER DELL DAN FISHBEIN RIDGEWOOD

Across the country, student voices have called, at the very least, for discussion and consideration of the following: ● A reasoned, fact-based and comprehensive discussion of gun control, including limiting access to assault weapons. ● A nationwide background check system that serves to prevent access for those who should not possess such weapons. ● Wide reaching and easily accessible mental health services both in school and in broader society. Our students’ voices are powerful, thoughtful and intelligent, and yet are too often dismissed by adults as they are sometimes deemed too simplistic and not based on reality and life experience. Clearly this is not the case as young people, many still in their early years of high school, have spoken and led with an impressive moral clarity.

BERGEN COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS The Bergen County Association of School Administrators (BCASA) hears their voice loud and clear, and lends its support to their efforts. Our collective responsibility to the 133,000 Bergen County students and their families demand that we do so. We join their voices in recognizing that this moment must not pass without action. To our students - Know that we support, love and care for you, and will continue to do all that we can, in partnership with law enforcement, to keep you safe. As we do that, we encourage you to continue to use your voices to call for change. While we often view you as the leaders of tomorrow, you are also leading us today. To our schools and communities - The members of the BCASA will continue to work in partnership with law enforcement, municipal government, and all those who share the responsibility of keeping our children safe. Know that we will work alongside you to provide our students with schools that are safe, secure, and which will continue to offer them strong academic, and social-emotional school experiences. To our legislative bodies - Follow the ethical and moral mandate to keep our children and teachers safe. Listen to their pleas. Listen to their wisdom. Listen to them. Take action. --------------------The Bergen County Association of School Administrators, comprised of school superintendents and other central office personnel From Bergen County’s 73 school districts and 3 charter schools, is charged with educating and protecting over 133,000 students who attend public schools in Bergen County, New Jersey. For follow up information, please contact Dr. Adam D. Fried, President, BCASA - [email protected]