Flowers on a grave in an Oklahoma City cemetery. (Whitney Bryen/Oklahoma City)

It’s truly difficult to put this week’s horrifying tragedy at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, into words.

But, as a parent whose daughter is the same age as the children who died, I can’t think about anything else.

I wish I could say I felt shocked and surprised. Instead, this terrible, terrible carnage was expected and predictable.

Here’s what some folks are saying about Uvalde, and school safety, on Twitter.

Jacob Rosecrants is a state representative in Norman and former classroom teacher.

Jami Cole is a teacher in Duncan and leads the 62,000 member Facebook group Oklahoma Edvocates.

Carri Hicks is a state senator in Oklahoma City and a former classroom teacher.

Oklahoma City Public Schools is the second-largest school district in Oklahoma.

For resources on how to talk to children about tragedies like the one in Uvalde, see the National Association of Elementary School Principals or the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement.

Education Watch will be taking a break next week. Take care everyone.

— Jennifer Palmer


Support our publication

Every day we strive to produce journalism that matters — stories that strengthen accountability and transparency, provide value and resonate with readers like you.

This work is essential to a better-informed community and a healthy democracy. But it isn’t possible without your support.

Creative Commons License

Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.