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