Last Thursday, seven people were injured in a shooting near James G. Blaine Elementary School. District staff members were informed of the incident in the middle of the monthly Board of Education meeting. While the news of more senseless violence was hard to face, two members of the Operations Emergency Response Team led by one of our Facilities Area Managers and one of our Senior Regional Managers immediately sprung into action!

Once Philadelphia Police released the scene, our team deployed to clean the area and ensure that the school grounds would be appropriate for the return of students and school staff the next morning. The four team members worked late into the night and in potentially dangerous conditions.

Students, families, and staff face a tough road ahead in coping with the aftermath of the shooting. In addition to the students and families affected that night, we are also supporting the men and women who were first responders at the crime scene. Coping with recurring tragedies can significantly impact one’s mental and emotional well-being. For more immediate support resources, students, families, and first responders can contact the Philly Hope Line at 1-833-PHL-HOPE (1-833-745-4673).