Dublin School District Encourages Unity Following Texas Shooting

DUBLIN, CA ? Like many schools and communities around the country Wednesday, the Dublin Unified School District felt the impact of a mass shooting that killed at least 19 children and two teachers in an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on Tuesday.

"Sadly, Dublin has experience with tragedy. We have lost students, staff, and a trustee in the recent past. As a result, our counselors (we have counselors at all school sites) are prepared to help students or staff members having trouble processing the tragic events of yesterday," Public Information Office Chip Dehnert said.

Superintendent Chris Funk sent this message to the district community Tuesday:

"As many of you are likely aware, there was a horrific tragedy at an elementary school in Texas. Another mass shooting. No words are sufficient to express the level of grief and despair this news brings.

Our hearts go out to the community of Uvalde at this time.

Events of this nature create an understandable level of anxiety among our students, staff, and community members. To help support those having difficulty processing this tragedy, counselors at all sites will be available through the remainder of the week.

Because we all process these moments in different ways, it?s critical to look out for each other. If you feel someone is struggling, please ask them if they need help or let someone know.

This is also a reminder that we need to let our loved ones know how important they are to us."

Flags throughout the city will be at half-staff through Saturday.

Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA), representing the city as California?s 15th congressional district representative, issued this statement Tuesday night:

"I wish I could look at my three small children and promise them they will always be safe at their schools. But, that would be a lie. America continues to arm the most dangerous people to the teeth -- leaving every innocent child vulnerable to being shot inside their classroom.

America has a mass shooter problem. And it?s not a policy defect. It?s by Republican design. GOP policies have allowed the most dangerous people to access the most dangerous weapons. Passing background checks and an assault weapons ban is long overdue."

Golden State lawmakers took swift action Wednesday to pass a bill to allow private citizens to file suits against manufacturers of illegal assault weapons or untraceable ghost guns.

Below are additional resources for families.

• American Psychological Association (APA): Helping your Child Manage Distress In The Aftermath Of A School Shooting
• National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Your Children About Violence
• Commonsense Media: Explaining The News To Our Kids
• Commonsense Media: How To Talk To Kids About School ShootingsChildmind.org
• Anxiety Over School Shootings

See also: 'Enough!' Warriors Coach Steve Kerr Gives Impassioned Plea On Shooting