Principal
Fern Ridge Families,
It is important that you are aware of a development in our District involving school safety.
After two threats of violence against Elmira High School that were posted on social media today, Monday January 3rd, I am taking the extraordinary step of cancelling classes at Elmira High School AND Fern Ridge Middle School on Tuesday, January 4th. This is only because investigators are still trying to determine the viability of the threats. We were informed of the threats at approximately 2:15 and 6:30 PM.
Veneta Elementary and Elmira Elementary will remain open on their normal schedules Tuesday. In an abundance of caution law enforcement will be providing an enhanced presence at those sites although there were no threats directed at these schools.
I realize that cancelling classes will be a hardship for many, particularly with such late notice. While it is in my nature to confidently move forward with school, in this particular situation we believe some additional time for law enforcement and the district to investigate will be helpful. This has been an extremely difficult decision, but when it comes to student safety we must – and do – take threats seriously.
The law enforcement investigation could lead to serious disciplinary action including criminal charges regardless of whether the threats were intended to be taken seriously.
The safety and security of all students and staff is our first priority. We commend those who have reported these threats. This week, and always, if you hear or see anything that may indicate a safety issue, please report it right away.
I will provide more relevant information on the investigation if and when it becomes available. When students return to school, and I fully expect that to be on Wednesday, we will be reminding them that words do matter. If anyone has ANY information regarding where these threats may have generated, please contact the school.
Gary Carpenter Jr.
Superintendent
Winter Break is a nice time to relax and recharge the batteries after a long opening stretch of the school year, but we also recognize that students may still need support even when they are away from the building. We would like to offer some resources for students while we are on break. Our counselors Ms. Brittany and Mr. Wirth will be responding to emails over the break. Their email addresses are bmcmillan@fernridge.k12.or.us and cwirth@fernridge.k12.or.us. They will be checking their email periodically throughout the break, and will try to respond in a timely fashion, but will not be available 24/7. Please refer to the resources below if you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis.
If you are in immediate need of help contact:
YouthLine – 877-968-8491; OregonYouthLine.org; or text teen2teen to 839863
National Suicide Prevention Hotline – 800-273-8255
FRSD Community,
The Fern Ridge School District has become aware today of troubling posts that have been shared widely around the country on the social media platform, TikTok. The posts refer to a threat to school safety for “every school in the United States” on Friday, December 17th. There has been NO threat to our local schools.
The post appears to be part of a national TikTok trend that did not originate in our school district, or even in Oregon. KVAL ran a short story on this topic today, that you can view here: https://kval.com/news/nation-world/schools-across-us-respond-to-vague-shooting-threat-circulating-on-tiktok.
All FRSD staff have been informed of this situation. In addition, I have been in contact with local law enforcement and there may be an increased presence around our schools tomorrow.
Please join the EHS guitar, choir and band classes for their winter concert on Thursday, December 16th at 7:00 PM in the EHS Theater. It will be a great night of fun music!
Due to continuing icy and dangerous driving conditions, FRSD and all activities are cancelled for today, Tuesday December 14th.
Out of an abundance of caution, the School District in consultation with First Student, is announcing a 2-hour delay for tomorrow, Tuesday the 14th. Typically we will wait until the morning when the weather pattern is uncertain, however Accuweather is showing an “expected” pattern in the morning that is problematic. At 4AM It is expected to be 32 degrees, and then get cooler as follows: 5 AM: 31 degrees, 6 AM: 30 degrees, 7 AM: 30 degrees, 8 AM: 29 degrees.
When the driving conditions turn dangerous after 5:30 or 6:00 AM, it is difficult for the District to change course as parents and students are expecting buses to be there to pick up students. While there certainly is the opportunity for the roads to be fine in the morning, the District will be operating on a 2 hour delay–based on the forecast and roads that are currently very wet. Any changes or updates will be shared here. Please pass along this information. A phone dialer will go out this evening to all families and FRSD staff.
It is with great regret that I share with you that an EHS student died on Thursday. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the student’s family, friends and our entire community. We cannot share further details at this time. We ask that community members not speculate on the circumstances at this time and encourage everyone to focus on caring for themselves and one another. As we develop our district wide response, we will share further information with you.
All students were given the news of the student’s death by staff this morning.
Given that this death occurs on the heels of another student death, we encourage all Fern Ridge community members to check in with one another and their children to discuss how their feeling, how they’ve been impacted by these deaths and talk about suicide. Children who are already vulnerable may be at greater risk of suicide due to the exposure of the suicide or sudden death of a peer so it is especially important that you check-in with your child.
Heavy feelings of anger or sadness are normal during tragic events. These conditions are treatable. It’s really important if you or your child are not feeling well in any way to reach out for help.
Members of our Crisis Response Team and staff from neighboring districts are available to meet with students individually and in groups today as well as over the coming days and weeks. Please contact the school office if you feel your child is in need of additional assistance. If you or your child needs help right away, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), call 911, or take your child to the nearest emergency department.
Information about the funeral service will be made available as soon as we have it. If your child wishes to attend, we strongly encourage you to accompany them to the service. If the funeral is scheduled during school hours, students who wish to attend will need parental permission to attend.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or one of the school counselors.
District Office 541-935-2253
Elmira High School 541-935-8200
Fern Ridge Middle School 541-935-8230
Elmira Elementary School 541-935-8214
Veneta Elementary School 541-935-8225
Sincerely,
Rick Gardner
We are excited for the return of basketball and wrestling to Elmira High School this winter. Our goal is to provide our student athletes and fans with a positive experience throughout the season. Part of that experience includes continuing to follow the health and safety rules around masking and social distancing due to Covid-19. The indoor mask mandate will be enforced for all spectators at basketball games and wrestling matches. If you have any questions about the requirements please refer the links below for more information.
Elmira High School is pleased to announce that we will be participating in the City of Veneta Light Parade on Thursday, December 9th. This will take the place of the Homecoming Parade that we were unable to have in October due to high Covid-19 rates in the community. In addition, we will have The Snowcoming Dance on Friday, December 17th from 9:00-11:30 PM. We are excited to offer these fun activities for our students.
In late October and early November Elmira High School students held a clothing drive to support the GoTo Truck that helps provide clothing and supplies for the homeless in our region. This drive was organized by the EHS Interact Club and provided over 600 donated items. KEZI News was here yesterday to do a feature about our students and their efforts. Please checkout the link below to hear more about this great event.
