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Sept. 18, 2017

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students of Geneva High School,

I would like to take this opportunity to provide you with more details regarding the incident that took place at Geneva High School this morning.

As previously shared today, at approximately 7:30 a.m., a Geneva High School student poured gasoline onto himself from a water bottle and was immediately prevented by students and staff from taking further steps to do self-harm or harm to others.

Our first priority was to ensure the safety of students and staff. Once that was determined, and a soft lock down was lifted, the District decided to continue the school day to ensure students were provided with support and assistance as needed. Throughout the remainder of the day, Student Services staff (which consists of counselors, psychologists, social workers, nurses, deans and police liaison officers) from Geneva High School, and Geneva Middle School South and North, helped provide support for all students. In addition to the support provided by faculty and staff, these resources will continue to be available for as long as necessary.

The Geneva School District would like to commend the professionalism that faculty and staff demonstrated during this very difficult time. We greatly appreciate the care and compassion our students showed for each other, especially the group who helped prevent the student from causing further harm to himself or to others.

Throughout the day, the Geneva School District worked closely with first responders from Geneva and our neighboring communities, and we would like to thank them for their support.

Another situation occurred over the weekend, and we acknowledge that students may need additional support.

We are aware of an automobile accident that occurred in Central Illinois this weekend involving Geneva High School graduates, and the Geneva Police Department is still working to verify the facts. Because of that, we are unable to confirm any details and will provide them when they become available.

We understand that today’s incident, as well as this weekend’s incident, are troubling. Please encourage your child to seek assistance in the days to come if they feel they are in need. This can be done by contacting their school counselor.

In an effort to provide another level of safety to our school communities, Geneva School District would like to remind you of our district-wide Safe Schools Tip Line. If you suspect or become aware of anyone planning or acting in any unsafe manner, please let us know.

We are aware that this event has received media coverage and have distributed a press release including facts that we have at this time, which is available on the District website.

I would like to reiterate that our Student Services staff will continue to be made available as long as needed. We are always here for our students in need.

Please keep everyone impacted by these incidents in your thoughts and prayers.

If you have any questions regarding any of this information, please feel free to contact me at 630-463-3805 or [email protected].

Sincerely,
Tom Rogers, Principal
Geneva Community High School