Principal’s Message
Dear Northeast High School Families,
I am sending this letter as a follow up to the communication from earlier this afternoon regarding a shooting that occurred at the SEPTA stop near Rising Sun and Cottman Avenues today. I am saddened to share that eight NEHS students were involved in the incident. Students who were hurt during the attack are at the hospital now – their families have been notified. Philadelphia Police and the School District’s Office of School Safety are actively investigating the incident.
Out of an abundance of caution, we will shift to virtual learning for the remainder of this week. Teachers will communicate directly with students regarding instruction tomorrow.
We know that events like today are extremely scary. Starting tomorrow, there will be an increased Philadelphia Police and District Office of School Safety presence in the school’s immediate vicinity. In addition, while school will be virtual tomorrow, the School District of Philadelphia’s Emergency Crisis Response Team of the Office of Prevention and Intervention, including crisis counselors, will be on-site starting tomorrow to support our students with grief counseling and whatever emotional assistance they need. Students also have access to Kooth – a confidential online mental health and well-being platform designed to provide students with access to personalized care at no cost, is also available to students from the comfort of home. Staff will have access to Lyra Health – an online resource that connects employees, spouses, and their dependents to mental and emotional health care that is effective, convenient, and personalized.
Should you notice any unusual changes in your child’s behavior or mood, you can also call or text 1-833-PHL-HOPE (1-833-745-4673) for free support and information. Additionally, we encourage you to speak with your children about the role they play in keeping each other safe. We encourage students and families to say something if they see something. Individuals can submit an anonymous tip through Safe2Say Something, a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Tips can be submitted through the website, www.safe2saypa.org or by calling Safe2Say at 1-844-723-2729. Students may also make anonymous tips to the main office if they know something that should be shared. Individuals can submit an anonymous tip by calling 215-400-SAFE or sending information via email to schoolsafety@philasd.org.
Ours is a tight-knit community, and I know this is difficult news to receive. I personally am devastated by this afternoon’s senseless act of violence that has greatly impacted our students and families. Please know that the mental and physical safety of students is our top priority. NEHS will continue to partner with the District to improve the physical, social and emotional safety of NEHS students and young people across the city.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns by calling the main office at 215-400-3200. Thank you for your continued support of the students at Northeast High School.
Sincerely,
Omar Crowder
Principal
