The Jefferson County Education Support Professionals Association (JESPA) has issued a statement in response to the school shooting that occurred at Evergreen High School. The incident, which took place yesterday, left several students wounded and has impacted the entire Evergreen community.
In its statement, JESPA expressed sympathy for those affected by the tragedy: “To the students, families, and staff of Jeffco and Evergreen High School: We are devastated by the events that unfolded yesterday. Our hearts are with all of you, especially the students who were wounded, their families, and the Evergreen community. We hope for their full and swift recovery.”
The association highlighted the roles played by educational support professionals in maintaining student safety and wellbeing: “From the secretaries, paraeducators, and pre-k staff who welcome students in the morning to the custodians closing the building at the end of the day, from those driving our students to those serving lunch to them, to the campus supervisors and maintenance workers who work to keep our schools safe—Educational Support Professionals (ESPs) are constantly focused on student and staff wellbeing. We organize for safe learning and working conditions in our schools because our students and staff deserve a nurturing environment that leads to healthy and fulfilling lives.”
JESPA also addressed broader concerns about school safety across Jefferson County: “The tragedy that occurred at Evergreen High School affects all of us in Jeffco, and is a real and terrifying possibility for students, teachers, ESPs, parents, community members, and anyone else who finds themselves inside a school in this country.”
The statement encouraged solidarity within the community during this difficult time: “In this time of crisis, we encourage solidarity and checking in with one another to build a supportive community. We must rely on each other and band together to guarantee public education in Colorado has the resources it needs for safe schools.”
Resources have been made available for those seeking support following the incident. A resource center will be open at Bergen Meadow Elementary’s old building on September 11th from 9am-5pm and September 12th from 9am-1pm. Victim advocates, mental health professionals, victim compensation representatives, and school personnel will be present. Additional mental health resources include:
– Jefferson County Schools Employee Assistance Program – 303-982-0377
– The Colorado Mental Health Line – Dial 988
– The Colorado Crisis Hotline: 1-844-493-TALK (8255)
– Jefferson Center for Mental Health: 303-425-0300
JESPA concluded its message with a call for collective action against gun violence: “We stand with Evergreen. We grieve with you. And we commit to being part of the path forward. Together, we must act boldly to end the tragic epidemic of gun violence in our country.”
