Statement On Apalachee High School Mass Shooting

As we witness the coverage of today’s tragic school shooting at Apalachee High School, our hearts go out to the Winder community. The lives lost and forever changed are a painful reminder of the epidemic of violence that continues to afflict our schools.

In response to the shooting, JP Guilbault, CEO of Navigate360 and ALICE Training®, issued the following statement:

“Today, my thoughts are with the community of Winder, GA, as they face an unimaginable reality that so many fear. I am also deeply grateful to the courageous law enforcement, first responders, and healthcare professionals who responded with such bravery.

Students, parents, and educators deserve more than fear—they deserve to feel safe and secure on their school campuses. If we are to raise a generation capable of thriving, we must provide them with the foundational skills to manage life circumstances without resorting to violence, to handle conflicts with reason, and to seek out trusted adults when in need.

To achieve a future without tragedies like today’s, we must prioritize education on identifying and helping those in distress, empowering communities to act before a crisis occurs. We must commit to best practices that involve preparing and preventing these attacks through comprehensive safety plans, regular training, and clear communication channels for all staff and students. We need a collective commitment to recognizing and addressing concerning behaviors and equipping our schools with the training and skills necessary to respond effectively to any threat.

At Navigate360, we are steadfast in our mission to help every community build a future free from harm and violence. Striving for zero incidents is not merely a goal—it is a moral obligation we must all pursue to protect the next generation.

We extend our deepest sympathy and support to the victims and the entire community of Winder, GA. Let us commit to working together to build a future where safety, compassion, and resilience are the cornerstones of our schools and communities, allowing them to thrive without the shadow of violence.”

We stand ready to support you in every effort to create environments where learning and growth can happen safely, free from fear and harm.

Download the Guide

Download this guide for ways on how to cope with grief after community violence, including how to talk to children about trauma, recognizing signs of grief, and additional resources.

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