Mayor Edwin M. Lee and San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Richard A. Carranza today issued the following joint statement in the wake of one of the deadliest school shootings in United States history at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut:

“San Francisco grieves with those affected by the needless and horrifying violence this morning in Connecticut. Our thoughts, prayers and deep sympathy go out to the families of the children and other victims of this unspeakable tragedy.

There is little we can say with our words to provide comfort to those affected, but we can move forward with purpose to do everything we can to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again.

In the wake of such a national tragedy, we redouble our efforts to work together to ensure that our students, families and school staff remain safe.”

The City and SFUSD district are working closely together to immediately respond to schools and provide support needed in the event of any school crisis. All SFUSD schools have a safety plan that is updated annually and schools have been trained to implement these plans at their sites.

School staff is prepared to help students who may be reacting to the tragedy and need support. SFUSD schools remain open. The Department of Public Health and the San Francisco Police Department are providing support to the schools. Families who would like support are encouraged to reach out to resources available at school sites and in the City. For more information about resources, residents should contact 311 at any time.

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated in Newtown, Connecticut, Mayor Lee in accordance with President Barack Obama’s presidential proclamation has ordered that flags on all City grounds and buildings be flown at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, December 18, 2012."