From the GUSD

To the Glendale/La Crescenta Community:

On Friday, Feb. 10, Crescenta Valley High School (CVHS) and the La Crescenta and Glendale communities were devastated by the suicide of a 10th-grade student. The community has come together to support the family, the students, the staff and each other. On behalf of the board of education, the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) staff and CVHS, I would like to thank our neighbors, our community and our partnering agencies for their outpouring of support during this difficult time.

We appreciate the support shown by so many at this difficult time. As a District, we care about our students beyond their academics and continue to be committed to their social and emotional well-being. Although the Sheriff’s Department has clearly stated that this tragedy was not as a result of bullying, drugs or alcohol, the board of education and I remain strongly committed to addressing these issues “head-on” in our schools.

CVHS and our other schools have been at the forefront of being proactive in creating and increasing avenues that facilitate students reaching out to adults on campus and in the community for help. The District and our communities need to continue to work collectively to ensure that we continue supporting our students so they can effectively deal with societal issues, such as drugs, alcohol and bullying. This tragic event reminds us of the need for parents and students to talk to one another, and for students to reach out to trusted friends and adults in times of difficulty and crisis.

As a District, we remain dedicated to providing our principals, teachers, counselors, our students and their families, with the resources they need to deal with these destructive issues, wherever they occur. We are partners with our families and our communities. Schools alone cannot combat the societal issues that confront our children; our successes will be achieved together.

Finally, I want to take a moment to commend the CVHS staff for their compassion and professionalism in helping guide their students through a very difficult time. Once again, I want to express our appreciation for the continued support of our Glendale, La Crescenta, and Montrose communities for taking the time to deliver countless notes, flowers, and baked goods. I would also like to thank Burbank Unified and La Cañada Unified School districts for their assistance with additional psychologists and student-to-student support.

As we grieve the loss within the CVHS family, these examples are vivid reminders that we are not alone. There are many resources available to our young people and to families. Our children need to know that they are cared for and not alone.
Sincerely,
Richard M. Sheehan, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Defends the Reverend
The response on Feb. 16 by Barbara Poland to the article of Rev. Bryan Griem has much to be desired. I do commend her for being a “concerned driver.” However, her being mowed down by the observation that God’s laws are violated every day (even by those who read God’s Word) was too much for her religious prejudice. Perhaps a good conversation with a county sheriff would alter her thinking.

The good pastor, in his personality and behavior, does not “demean” followers of other religious faiths. He is a person who seeks to practice his belief.
Ken Grissom
La Crescenta