MPSD: Superintendent Update

Dear Members of the Marshfield School Community,

Good afternoon.

We are heartbroken for the students, staff, first responders and families of Parkland Florida after learning of yet another tragic loss of life as a result of a school shooting. This has become far too common in communities across the nation and I hope that this tragedy will push those in positions of leadership, at the state and federal level, to take the appropriate action needed to get to the root cause of the problems which cause events like the one we saw yesterday. In the meantime, I am sure many members of our school community are asking two important questions: “How safe are our Marshfield schools?” and “How can we support our students as they learn more details about this most recent incident?”

The safety and well-being of our MPSD students and staff members is our first priority. The idea of safety is at the core of the district’s mission statement which notes: “Marshfield Public Schools provide a safe, healthy and collaborative learning environment that fosters respect and responsibility, empowering all to achieve their maximum potential.”

Our leadership teams at each building meet on a regular basis with representatives from public safety and staff at both the school and district levels to plan and implement training and protocols to keep everyone safe and plan how to respond in the event of an incident/emergency. We have a tremendous working relationship with both the police and fire departments in Marshfield and will continue to work them to ensure we are following the most appropriate safety protocols.  We also are fortunate to have a district-wide School Resource Officer, along with liaison officers who are assigned to each of our seven schools.  Parents or staff members with concerns about safety should feel free to contact building principals for school-specific questions.

Helping to ensure that our students are emotionally safe, in relation to news about yesterday’s shooting, is another important responsibility. As you are aware, each building has guidance and/or adjustment counselors, along with school psychologists who are always available to work with students in need.  Also, in relation to yesterday’s event, please refer to guidance from the National Association of School Psychologists for useful and practical help: 

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers

Please reach out to any member of the administrative team if we can help support you in any way.

With respect,

Jeffrey W. Granatino

Superintendent