Nov. 28,
2017
Dear
Parents, Students, Teachers, Staff and Community Members,
Our hearts
remain heavy from the tragic loss of SOAR Academy student Steve Soledad-Lopez,
who lost his life during a violent incident over the weekend in Denver.
I want to
let you know about the funeral services for Steve and I also want to let you
know that resources are available to support us all through this difficult
time.
First, the
services are Wednesday, Nov. 29 at Funeraria Latina, 3020 Federal Blvd. The viewing
will be from 4 to 6 p.m. and the funeral will follow from 6 to 8 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Second, the
emotional fallout from this tragic incident will take many forms and I want to
ask parents, teachers and staff to be particularly alert to indications of
irritability, withdrawal, mood swings, sleep difficulties or any intense
feelings from children and young adults. You can help by making time to talk,
by providing factual and honest information, and by letting young adults and
children know that such feelings are completely normal.
We have posted a complete list of signs to watch for as well as tips for “how to help” on the district website here [link]. The
information includes contact information to the Colorado Crisis Line and the
Sheridan Clinic for Behavioral Health, in addition to other resources. Please
reach out for any reason at all.
From everything we can gather to date, Steve was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. The attack appears to have been entirely random, which makes the loss even more difficult to understand. Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences are with Steve’s entire family.
I also want
to let you know that law enforcement authorities believe they captured the
individual who was responsible for this senseless attack. The arrest happened
out of state, in Las Vegas. Law enforcement officers in Sheridan and Denver
have my deepest thanks for the swift work on this situation.
Sheridan is a close, warm, and caring community. Our small size, I believe, means that we all feel it when we’re wounded and hurt. Let’s keep an eye on each other during this healing time and, please, reach out for help if you need it.
Sincerely,
Sheridna School District