Dear Benicia Community,
I am writing to inform you that unfortunately we had another incident of a Benicia High School student posting a threat on social media. The threat was not directed at BHS or any of our students, but rather at another high school in Solano County. We want to thank the Benicia Police Department and acknowledge our strong partnership with them as they were quick to respond, in partnership with the other city police department (of which we are not at liberty to disclose.) If you have further questions, please reach out to the BPD. The student was cited and our school district is taking appropriate action.
We take all threats seriously and strive to respond promptly and vigilantly. To do this, we benefit from a strong partnership with our community. We are asking families to discuss these important topics and the ramifications of such actions and to report concerning behaviors or posts to the school or police directly. Benicia Unified School District is not alone in experiencing an increase in negative student behaviors at school sites and with the difficult adjustment back to in person school. Sadly, this is happening across our region and the nation.
To assist the BUSD community with the appropriate use of social media, we are partnering with the Benicia Police Department to offer a virtual parent information session “Be Social Media Savvy.” This workshop will be held on Wednesday, January 26th from 7:00-8:30. We invite and encourage every BUSD parent and guardian to attend. Click here for the Zoom Session Link.
As your superintendent and father of two children, I place the safety and well being of all students as my highest priority. Our number one goal as a district is to provide safe, supportive and welcoming campuses for all students and staff. We will continue to make this a focus as we move forward together as a community.
Further, we recognize the effects of the ongoing pandemic and while the holidays can bring a great sense of joy, they can also generate a degree of stress for some. In our ongoing effort to provide systems of support for our students, we are including the variety of support available with BUSD and the City of Benicia.
BUSD Resources
- Care Solace: mental health and counseling supports available for BUSD families
- Virtual Wellness Centers
- School site wellness centers: Wellness centers are open during school hours at all school sites. Contact your child’s teacher for more information.
- Common Sense Media modules for grades K-12
City of Benicia and Solano County Resources
- Kyle Hyland Foundation
- Solano County Mental Health / Support Resources
- Suicide Prevention Resources
- Services for Students
Resources for National Stress-Free Holiday Month (December:)
- https://www.teachhub.com/teaching-strategies/2019/12/how-to-help-students-deal-with-holiday-stress/
- https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2018/Avoiding-Holiday-Stressors-Tips-for-a-Stress-Free-Season
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544
- https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/holiday
Your ongoing partnership and support is central to our success as a school district and ability to carry our most noble mission of helping all students reach their potential in a safe and welcoming learning environment.
Sincerely,
Charles F. Young. Ed.D.
Superintendent