Editor:
It is with a heavy heart that I communicate today. The event that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut is horrific, life-altering and unexplainable. The heartache is unimaginable and loss of life numbing. Your Ridgway Schools are prepared to assist others as we all cope with the grief of this terrible event.
Just as other incidents of senseless violence and murder have impacted our daily routines, this event underscores the need to remain vigilant and alert at all times. The realities of national events are all too close to home. We all get comfortable in the warm embrace a small school provides. It is that comfort that I ask for you to look to in the weeks to come. We do not take your confidences lightly and aim to keep your trust by supporting our students, staff and families through the aftermath of this shocking event.
Ridgway School District and the law enforcement community have plans of action for a variety of tragic events that could occur. Critical Response Plans exist and are reviewed to guide law enforcement, school staff and other local agencies in responding to situations that we hope never occur. We will be reviewing all of these plans in detail over the next several weeks and ensure that staff and teachers are aware of district and local procedures.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families so deeply affected by these killings. This holiday season will be forever altered for the families of those killed. Please don’t hesitate to contact any of our school counselors should you feel your child is experiencing any anxieties about coming to school after this incident. Valene Baskfield, elementary counselor can be reached at 626.5468 ext. 1104. Rick Williams our secondary counselor can be reached at 626.5788 ext. 2303. Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Gomez can be reached at our district office – 626.4456. We are here to support you, protect our children, and maintain a safe learning environment for children to learn, grow and thrive.
Blessings to you and yours,
- Cheryl A. Gomez
A Message From the Ridgway Superintendent of Schools
Dec 20, 2012 | 670 views | 0 
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photos
DISCUS THROWER Lance Brooks competed in the 2012 London Olympics. (Photo by Steve DeAutremont)
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS – Ridgway High School students (left to right) Jack Middleton, Abel Lannan and Tashi Hackett presented the results of their research on possible sister cities to Ridgway Town Council last week. Mountain towns in Costa Rica, El Salvador and Dominican Republic made the cut. Next step: contact. (Photo by Peter Shelton)
MAIN STREET GELATO – A+Y Design Gallery owners Adam and Yesenia Duncan offered up gelato samples from behind their Italian-imported gelato case Monday morning. Along with unique furniture and fine art, the two offer 22 flavors of locally-made gelato. (Photo by Gus Jarvis)
BUILDING OPTIMISM – Tom How (left) and Daniel Key of Sjoden Wood Designs worked on a new home in the Cobble Creek Golf Community Tuesday morning. The spec home is being built under the direction of contractor Bert Welz, who said he’s optimistic for the region’s construction trade. (Photo by William Woody)
GROWTH INVESTMENT – Students took advantage of a "living classroom" at the Telluride School's new Grow Dome this spring. The Dome, which will be open to the public for tours Wednesday, May 22, was funded in part by a Telluride Medical Center's Physical Education Program (PEP) grant. (Courtesy photos)
HEADED TO PLAYOFFS - Montrose High Shoo0l's Jake Kastendieck fielded a ground ball last Saturday during the team’s 10-0 victory over Woodland Park. The Indians advance to the state 4A quarterfinals this Friday at Cherokee Trail High School against Valor Christian. (Photo by William Woody)
PINHEADS, PIXELLATED – The Pinhead Institute holds its annual fundraiser, entitled Minecraft Mania,at the Sheridan Opera House this Sunday, May 19. (Courtesy photo)
TELLURIDE IN 1910 – A hypothetical model of the main street facades, made up of buildings throughout the region, the television producers are proposing to build for the production of "When Calls the Heart." (Courtesy image)