Message from PUSD

Dear Pasadena Unified Community,

The school shooting in Texas that has taken the lives of 18 elementary school students and a teacher today is horrific. We grieve for the victims, their families, and for the survivors whose lives will be forever marked by this senseless crime.

But this devastating scene is too familiar, coming on the heels of the mass shootings in Buffalo and Laguna Woods.

Schools do a phenomenal job in creating supportive environments on campuses, in making our classrooms and playing fields places where learners of every kind are welcomed. We take safety measures like limiting visitors, installing cameras, and hiring safety aides specially trained to work with children. Since our schools fully reopened for in-person learning this year, our teachers, administrators, and employees have worked themselves to the bone to bring learning and joy to our students.

This awful news breaks our hearts and makes us angry. It’s time for clear action by lawmakers across the country to do whatever it takes to change our laws and provide the necessary resources to ensure that something like this never happens again. It’s time to keep our children and families safe, whether they’re shopping in Buffalo, attending church in Laguna Woods, or tragically, sitting in their classrooms anticipating the end of the school year and the start of what should have been a glorious summer.

We know events like these can impact the physical and mental well-being of our students, staff, and families. We encourage you to connect with your friends and family, supporting each other and seeking help as it is needed.

This heartbreaking news can surface fears about safety. We want to assure you that every single person in Pasadena Unified School District is committed to the safety of our students and schools.

Whatever you or your family are experiencing, we want you to know that you are not alone and that support is available at school and in our community. If you or someone you know needs help, here are ways to find support:

On-campus:

Contact your school counselor or therapist

In our community:

Pasadena Unified School District partnered with Hazel Health and Care Solace to support our community’s mental health. Both can help you quickly find mental health treatment options matched to your needs regardless of circumstances. Their support is completely confidential and free to Pasadena Unified School District’s students and staff.

If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:

• Call 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365 in any language

• Visit www.caresolace.com/pasadena and either search on your own , OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

If you would like to use Hazel Health so your child can speak with a doctor or mental health clinician from home.

• https://my.hazel.co/pusd/info

• Call 626-436-3825

In an emergency:

• Call 911 or request a Crisis Intervention Trained (C.I.T.) response

• Go to the closest emergency room for support

• Text “Hello” or “Home” to 741741 to connect with support

• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255

• English: 800-273-TALK

• Español: 888-628-9454

• TTYY: 800-799-4889

• Online chat: suicidepreventionlifeline.org

• Trevor Lifeline LGBTQQ+ Crisis Support: 1-866-488-7386

If you have a safety concern:

• If there is an emergency concern: Call 911

• If you have a non-emergency concern about school safety: Contact: PUSD Student Wellness & Support Services
  626.396.3600 ext. 88238

In shared sorrow,

Brian McDonald, Ed.D.
Superintendent