A Message from Dr. Coakley

Today, our hearts are with the students, families, educators, and staff of Silver Rail Elementary School and the entire Bend-La Pine Schools community following the tragic shooting. According to authorities, multiple people were injured, including children, and the incident prompted a school lockdown while law enforcement secured the scene.

Events like this shake us deeply. Schools are places of learning, belonging, and hope. When violence enters those spaces, it affects not only those directly involved but also families, students, and educators across Oregon. Many of us are parents, caregivers, teachers, and community members. We feel the weight of this tragedy together.

As we hold the Bend community in our thoughts, I want to reassure our MESD families and staff that student and staff safety remains our highest priority. We work closely with our component districts, local law enforcement, and emergency responders to maintain comprehensive safety protocols, emergency response plans, and ongoing preparedness training. Our schools regularly review and practice procedures designed to help protect students and staff and respond quickly in emergencies.

Moments like this can also bring anxiety and fear, especially for children. I encourage families and caregivers to take time to talk with students, listen to their concerns, and reassure them that the adults in their lives are committed to keeping them safe. Our educators, counselors, and support staff are also available to help students process difficult emotions and questions.

As we support one another through this difficult time, we want to share resources from trusted child trauma and school psychology experts to help guide conversations with children, answer their questions, and reinforce a sense of safety and reassurance:

• 15 Tips for Talking with Children About Violence

• School Shootings Resources developed by the NCTSN

• Coping with Violence

Today, we stand in solidarity with the Bend community as it grapples with an unthinkable tragedy. We mourn the lives lost and hold the victims, their families, students, educators, and all those affected in our hearts. We are deeply grateful to the first responders, school staff, and law enforcement personnel who acted swiftly and courageously in the face of this crisis. In the days ahead, we will continue to lift up the Bend community with our support, compassion, and hope for healing.

Please join me in keeping all those affected in your thoughts.

Sincerely,

Dr. Paul E. Coakley