Dear Estes Park School District Families and Staff,

It has been a long 24 hours, but as you hopefully know by now, the “credible threat” to schools in the Denver metro and surrounding areas is over. The FBI has confirmed that the suspect was found dead this morning in the mountains west of Denver. Thank you for your support and patience while we took necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our students and staff. All of our buildings will be open tomorrow, April 18th, and operating on a regular class schedule.

We would like to thank our law enforcement community for their hard work and proactive steps to keep all of our children safe. Thanks also to our teachers and staff, we know that our students look to them for comfort in these scary and unsettling times.

Though the threat has subsided, there will be heightened safety and security measures in place. You can expect to see extra law enforcement presence on campus. We do not provide all of our security details to the public, but know that staff will be extra vigilant. Your children are well protected.

As a reminder, it is important that we all have an active part in keeping safety a top priority.

• Know the Plan. Estes Park School District has a plan in place for emergencies, crisis situations and safety protocols that help to keep our students, staff and families safe. For more information about the EPSD Safety Plan and Procedures, please visit www.estesschools.org/safety.
• Keep our Buildings Secure. The safety of our district is each of our responsibility: staff, students, parents... everyone. Our schools require a visitor and volunteer check-in procedure on a daily basis to ensure that everyone that enters our doors is accounted for and properly cleared. Perimeter doors are to remain closed and locked during the day and all visitors must check-in at the front office, no exceptions.
• If you SEE something, SAY something. We ask everyone to stay vigilant and aware. If you see or hear something that concerns you, contact a school administrator, law enforcement or submit an anonymous tip via Safe2Tell.

These kinds of incidents are stressful for all of us, but especially for our children. Earlier this morning, we sent out some useful talking points and infographics for speaking to children about violence, you can find these resources again HERE We will be ready to support our students as they return to school tomorrow. All schools will have extra resources available through our counselors, staff, and administrators. If you need help or have concerns, please let us know.

Please take a moment to hold your loved ones close. On this 20th anniversary of the Columbine tragedy, also remember to keep the family members of the victims in your thoughts.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience during these trying times.

Sincerely, 
Sheldon Rosenkrance, Superintendent of Schools