Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is the district addressing safety on our campuses?
In addition to a Sheriff’s deputy posted at sites throughout the District, additional law enforcement presence will be around each campus as we stabilize and make every effort to return to a sense of normalcy. There are multiple campus supervisors at each site, and district office administrators will be posted at school sites to provide their leadership with time and flexibility to address the needs of students and families.
Additionally, the Hart District employs a number of procedures programs, and strategies on a daily basis in an effort to keep students and staff safe, including:
When my student(s) return to school on Monday, how will the district provide support as they process the events of November 14th?
In the next days, weeks, and beyond, the district is mounting a significant response to tend to the social-emotional well-being of our students, staff, and community. Each school site will be staffed with additional intensive counselors while faculty, staff, and administrators will be prepared to provide students with the opportunity to seek out support throughout the school year. Additional extended resources are provided later in this FAQ.
What is the plan to transition Saugus High students back into school?
Saugus High will have non-mandatory activities available to students and staff on campus during the week of 11/18 - 11/22. No classes will be held during this week. However, activities and counseling will be available on campus Wednesday from 10 a.m. -- 2 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. -- 2:00 p.m. Students can retrieve their personal effects on Tuesday, 11/19, from 10 a.m. -- 12 p.m.
All schools in the district are closed during Thanksgiving week, 11/25 - 11/29.
What about all of the other schools in the district? Have their schedules changed?
On Friday, 11/15, all schools in the district were closed to allow families and students time to process this event together. Next week, the schedules at all of the schools other than Saugus High will remain the same as published on the district website. It is important that your student has access to the counseling services offered on campus and can transition back into a regular routine.
Here is a link to the district calendar: https://www.hartdistrict.org/apps/pages/calendars
I am still not comfortable with my student returning to school on Monday. What can I do?
Please contact us using the #SaugusStrong Contact Form and we can discuss supports and options available within the district. We are here to serve and support all families as we go through this experience together as a community.
I need help talking to my kids and teens or I need more support beyond what is available through the school district. Who do I call? What resources are available?
Our community is served by several available resources. The following phone numbers will connect you with crisis lines, many of which are local:
Child and Family Center Crisis Line: 661-259-9439
Teen Line: 800-852-8336
Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255
California Youth Crisis Line: 800-843-5200
Trevor Line (crisis line for LGBTQ+ youth): 800-850-8078
Olive View Mental Health Urgent Care (crisis): 818-485-0888
The following resources have been developed and recommended by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry to help children and families who have experienced violent and traumatic events:
National Child Traumatic Stress Network – Talking about the Shooting
Restoring a Sense of Safety in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting: Tips for Parents and Professionals
How do I reach out to someone at the district to answer my questions or to help me find alternative ways to address my student’s needs?
Please fill out the #SaugusStrong Contact Form that will be sent directly to our staff. We will reach out to you and help in every way we can. Thank you for the opportunity to support you as we work together as a community and lean on each other through this difficult time
I want to donate materials or services. Who do I contact?
Those individuals, businesses, and agencies wishing to make donations of physical product are requested to contact the following email address to reduce the burden on school staff.
Local Resources and Crisis Support for Immediate Help
CSUN College of Education is generously offering free counseling support related to the recent shooting at Saugus HS through their Strength United Counseling Center.
Strength United
(818) 787-9700
http://www.strengthunited.org
They have offices in Newhall and programming through their “Trauma Recovery Center” funded by the California Victims of Crime Compensation Board. They specialize in counseling and services for crisis situations. They are extending free counseling and crisis services to the community!
Child and Family Center Crisis Line: 661-259-9439
Children's Bureau 661-705-4670 - In addition to their ongoing support services, Children's Bureau will be offering a free support group for Hart District staff beginning Friday, 11/22 from 3:30-4:30 pm in their office located on 27200 Tourney Rd., Suite 175, Valencia, CA 91355
*NOTE: Children's Bureau will be closed 12/25/2019 - 1/1/2020
Santa Clarita Mental Health 661-288-4800
Samuel Dixon Health Center: (661) 257-2339; http://www.sdfhc.org/
Teen Line: 800-852-8336
Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255
California Youth Crisis Line: 800-843-5200
Trevor Line (crisis line for LGBTQ+ youth): 800-850-8078
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (24 hour): 800-422-4453
Olive View Mental Health Urgent Care (crisis): 818-485-0888
Henry Mayo ER (crisis)
Disaster Distress Helpline – Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is a program of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) which provides crisis counseling and support for anyone in the U.S. experiencing distress or other behavioral health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Calls (1-800-985-5990) and texts (text “TalkWithUs” to 66746) are answered by a network of independently-operated crisis centers around the country, who provide psychological first aid, emotional support, crisis assessment and intervention, and referrals to local/state behavioral health services for follow-up care & support. The helpline's SMS service is also available in Spanish. Text "Hablanos" to 66746 for emotional support.
Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Bureau of Victim Services, call (800) 380-3811. This resource provides FREE therapy/treatment, every week (or more), by experienced therapists in private practice without an end date for families affected by the Saugus HS recent events.
Downloadable Files: Local Resources and Crisis Support for Immediate Help
National Resources Specific to Violence, Trauma, and Schools
National Child Traumatic Stress Network – Talking about the Shooting
Restoring a Sense of Safety in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting: Tips for Parents and Professionals
The National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement website www.schoolcrisiscenter.org
The Coalition to Support Grieving Students www.grievingstudents.org offers a variety of video modules and handouts which can help school staff feel more comfortable supporting grieving students.
Downloadable Files: National Resources Specific to Violence, Trauma, and Schools