Dear Battle Creek families,
As we continue to process the terrible news of yesterday’s mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, our hearts go out to the families, staff, students, and the entire community. No parent should ever have to experience the loss of a child, and we grieve alongside those families. Senseless acts of violence like this and the recent tragedies in Buffalo, New York, and Laguna Woods, California, have become far too commonplace — and have left us reeling.
At Battle Creek Public Schools, our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff. BCPS works hard to foster a community that supports one another, looks out for one another, and speaks out if anything feels wrong. We offer mental health resources and services for students and referrals for families who may need additional support. School staff work hard to maintain close and trusting relationships with students so that we can be aware of any emerging issues and help them make healthy decisions. Our staff and students also participate in regular drills to practice for emergency scenarios.
To our students: please know that if you ever feel unsafe or overwhelmed, your principals, teachers, counselors, and community are here to support you. Our staff members are always available to help you cope with any difficult feelings that this news may bring about. To families: please remind your students to speak up if they see or hear something from their peers that makes them uncomfortable. Taking time to sit with them and listen can help your children express and process their feelings. You can remind them of the mental health supports that are available for their use and of what to do during an emergency. Please reach out to your school’s principal with any questions about resources available for students.
We appreciate the way the Battle Creek community comes together to support one another in difficult, emotional times like this, and we thank you for your partnership and trust in educating and protecting your students.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Carter
Superintendent
Please report any safety concerns immediately to either the school district or the Battle Creek Police Department. You can call or text the Battle Creek Police Department Silent Observer hotline anonymously using the information provided below.
Submit a Safety Tip — Battle Creek Silent Observer
- Call 269-964-3888.
- Submit a tip online using the online tip form.
- Download the P3 Tips mobile app on Android or iOS.
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