Supporting Your Child After Today’s Events

Jessie Coyle, VP of Learning | Head of School

Dear Groves Academy Families,

Today is a very sad day for our Minneapolis community as we process the tragedy that occurred at Annunciation School. This horrific act of violence affects all of us in different ways. At Groves, we are working to provide not only a physically safe environment, but also one that supports the emotional and psychological well-being of our students and families.

At school today, we focused on creating a sense of normalcy by maintaining our routines and continuing with the learning day. I want to share with you what information we provided to students, so you can decide how best to talk with your child at home.

• Upper School: Our Director of Safety & Risk Management, Upper School Director, and I spoke with all Upper School students after their field trip. We shared that a shooting occurred at Annunciation School and reviewed the safety protocols we have in place.
• Lower & Middle School: We did not discuss this incident with Lower or Middle School students, and they have not had internet access today.

Throughout the day, our counseling team, Dean of Students, and I have been available to support students and faculty. Tomorrow, faculty may address this tragedy in their classrooms, using their professional judgment to guide discussions in ways they believe will benefit students.

Please know these decisions were made thoughtfully and collaboratively with our counseling team and school leadership. Our first priority is always your child’s safety and well-being, and every step we took today was guided by that commitment.

If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. This is a time for us to support one another, and I am here for you.

With care,

Jessie