Dear Cold Spring School Community,
It is with heavy hearts that I address the recent developments in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip. We recognize the distress and concern this conflict has caused around the world and many of you in our community.
At Cold Spring School, we are committed to fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and unity. The situation in the Middle East is deeply troubling, and we want to express our heartfelt concern for the people affected by this conflict. We stand in solidarity with those who are impacted, and our thoughts are with them during these difficult times.
Today, Sheriff Brown notified all of the school superintendents in Santa Barbara County of some information that has been circulating on social media platforms. The following statement was issued this evening from the Sheriff’s Office:
The disturbing news coming from Israel in the past several days has generated concerns for the safety of our community. As the war intensifies, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office continues to monitor the situation both abroad and at home. Sheriff’s deputies will be paying increased attention at places of worship to enhance the safety of both the Jewish and Muslim communities. As always, we encourage the public to contact us if you see or hear of any threat towards the safety of any member of our community.
I want to reassure you that the safety and security of our campus and our students is our number one priority. As you are all aware, we have recently been improving the safety of our campus with new fencing and gate systems. We expect to complete this project early next week. While securing the front entrance will present some new challenges, we feel that controlling the access to our campus is one of the most important steps towards improving the overall safety on our campus. Many of the improvements we have been implementing are recommendations made by the Sheriff’s Office and members of our community.
Our mission as a school is to educate, inspire, and empower our students to become thoughtful, engaged, and responsible global citizens. Events like the current situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip provide us with an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to these principles and to instill in our students a sense of empathy, curiosity, and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
We understand that emotions run deep in situations like these, and we encourage all members of our community to reach out for support if needed. We are here to provide guidance and resources. I have listed below a few parenting resources to support your child at home.
As we navigate these complex and challenging times, let us remember the importance of empathy, open-mindedness, and our shared responsibility to create a more compassionate and peaceful world. We will continue to keep a watchful eye on the situation and will be ready to engage with our community as needed.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to the values that make our school community so special.
Sincerely,
Dr. Amy Alzina
Parenting Resources
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators
How to Talk to Your Kids About Violence, Crime, and War
How to Talk to your Child About Conflict and War
Talking to Your Kids About War
Summary of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict