Dear BASIS San Antonio - Jack Lewis Jr. founding families, students, teachers, and staff,
 
Our hearts are broken, and we are sure yours are as well, as we stand with Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
 
This senseless tragedy hits close to home as educators and parents and brings about a broad range of emotions for everyone in our school community. We recognize that it will impact each of us, and each of our families, in different ways, and we remain committed to supporting every member of our community as we process privately and collectively.
 
Child psychologists generally recommend the following advice when discussing tragedies like this at home with kids, particularly younger children:
 
  • For children who are aware of the tragedy, whether through media, social media, friends, or your own family discussion, offer to answer any questions, and then do so factually, making sure to correct any misinformation. Most importantly, reassure your child that their school is a safe place. It is.

  • Talk to your child about how you, your child, and your family can help. Being able to help others even in a small way can give children a sense of control. Even sharing positive news stories or stories highlighting the good that others are doing in the wake of this tragedy can deliver a sense of calm, and of control.

 
We remain wholeheartedly and actively committed to ensuring the safety and security of every person on our campus. We have strong measures in place to ensure the safety of all of our students, teachers, and staff, and we will continue to work closely with central office staff, our emergency preparedness partners, as well as the Texas School Safety Center, to evaluate and refine our emergency procedures as needed.
 
More specifically:
 
  • In accordance with State law, BASIS Texas Charter Schools has a Safety and Security Committee overseen by Board members, school leaders, central office leaders, parents and local law enforcement. Every person on this committee takes their responsibility very seriously.

  • While our campus is not yet complete, please know that like all BASIS Texas Charter School campuses and campus processes, ours will meet all requirements of Texas school security laws, and we have been ahead of the timelines mandated to meet/exceed this degree of compliance.

  • We will continue our practice of frequent consultation with local law enforcement in all security matters at the campus level.

  • BASIS Texas Charter Schools engage in ongoing safety audits of each campus, and we are fully committed to continuously improving our practices under the guidance of our local law enforcement agencies. Indeed, our safety measures were most recently audited during the first week of May, and the results of these audits are used to improve our security measures.

  • All BASIS Texas Charter School campuses are closed to the public. All visitors are screened prior to entry beyond the locked barrier into the school building.

  • While we value parent engagement on the subject of school safety, parents should know that we do not share specific details of campus-level procedures or practices in order to maintain the safety of our students and school employees. 
 
Finally, while we cannot alleviate the pain of this week’s tragic events, we remain dedicated to the physical and emotional safety of our community. This is a time where we must find strength as a community. If you need additional support, please do not hesitate any of our campus leaders.
 
Warmest regards,
 
David Hubalik, Head of School
Ken Tyrrell, Head of Operations

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act and applicable state law, BASIS* does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity or expression, or any other classification protected by law in any of its business activities, including its educational programs and activities which comply fully with the requirements of state and federal law and Title IX. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding BASIS’ non-discrimination policies: Beverly Traver, Compliance and Equity Investigator, BASIS Educational Group, LLC., 7975 N. Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, (480) 289-2088.
*As used in this policy, the term "BASIS" refers to: BASIS Educational Group, LLC, BASIS Charter Schools, Inc., BASIS Texas Charter Schools, Inc., BDC, A Public Charter School, Inc., BBR Schools, Inc., and all affiliated entities.