Classes cancelled Monday at Vista Ridge High School to investigate “potential danger”

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Classes at Vista Ridge High School have been cancelled with no plans for remote learning on Monday Dec. 6, according to District 49.

KRDO confirmed an email was sent Sunday afternoon to all Vista Ridge parents and students alerting them of the closure. KRDO obtained a copy of that email and confirmed it was sent by Principal DaLee.

The email said the school had received additional reports of violence and because a strain on staffing levels both at VRHS and CSPD their investigation is still developing and needs more time. "As we shared previously, we are committed to investigating all misconduct until we reach appropriate, supported conclusions and assign proportionate consequences for all involved," the email stated.

Principal DaLee said in the email to parents and students they would receive an update on the investigation in their email Monday afternoon.

The email to students and parents closes with, "D49 thanks our law enforcement partners and encourages all of our students and families to stay alert and report any suspicious activity."

The email to students and parents reference the recent spike in "assaultive behavior" at Vista Ridge High School.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

Read the full email below:

Dear Parents and Students of Vista Ridge High School,

I want to once again thank all of you for your care and support as we address concerns reported last week. Even as we process a recent pattern of escalating assaultive behavior on the VRHS campus, we are monitoring additional reports which require appropriate follow up—confounded by a strain on staffing levels both at VRHS and our law enforcement partners at the Colorado Springs Police Department. Because aspects of our investigation and planning are still developing, VRHS will cancel classes and activities Monday, December 6.

As always, the safety of our campuses is non-negotiable. Although we do not believe there is a verified threat to our campus, we will use the time Monday to ensure we thoroughly investigate reports that present any potential danger to our students and staff. In collaboration with our safety and security team, along with CSPD, VRHS will address all serious reports, supporting all students involved. As we plan our return to normal activities, we will deploy additional resources to strengthen the safety and security of our campus.

As administrators investigate and address this situation, we understand the discussion is continuing outside of school, creating a level of anxiety and enhanced alertness on the part of our students, staff, and community. We commend those students and families who share information through Safe2Tel and other channels, demonstrating great pride in their school as partners to ensure the safety of our campus. This is why Vista Ridge is an amazing place to work, learn, and lead!

Tomorrow, we will share more about the progress of our investigation. As we shared previously, we are committed to investigating all misconduct until we reach appropriate, supported conclusions and assign proportionate consequences for all involved. Please look for that information in your email tomorrow afternoon. In the meantime, Monday is considered a “no school” day. All classes and activities are cancelled, and there are no plans for remote learning. Students should plan to return on Tuesday and continue preparation for finals next week.

D49 thanks our law enforcement partners and encourages all of our students and families to stay alert and report any suspicious activity. We thank you for your trust, understanding and support in this matter. The safety of students, families and staff on our campuses is non-negotiable. We will remain proactive to ensure a safe learning environment awaits every District 49 learner.

Thank you for your trust and understanding as we work together to make Vista Ridge the very best place for learning.

Sincerely,
Dr. Jason DaLee, Principal
Vista Ridge High School

** En español **

Estimados padres y estudiantes de Vista Ridge High School,

Una vez más, quiero agradecerles a todos por su atención y apoyo mientras abordamos las inquietudes que se informaron la semana pasada. Incluso mientras procesamos un patrón reciente de comportamiento agresivo en aumento en el campus de VRHS, estamos monitoreando informes adicionales que requieren un seguimiento apropiado, confundidos por una tensión en los niveles de personal tanto en VRHS como en nuestros socios policiales en el Departamento de Policía de Colorado Springs. Debido a que los aspectos de nuestra investigación y planificación aún se están desarrollando, VRHS cancelará clases y actividades el lunes 6 de diciembre de

Como siempre, la seguridad de nuestros campus no es negociable. Aunque no creemos que haya una amenaza verificada para nuestro campus, usaremos el tiempo del lunes para asegurarnos de investigar a fondo los informes que presentan algún peligro potencial para nuestros estudiantes y personal. En colaboración con nuestro equipo de seguridad y protección, junto con CSPD, VRHS abordará todos los informes serios, apoyando a todos los estudiantes involucrados. Mientras planificamos nuestro regreso a las actividades normales, implementaremos recursos adicionales para fortalecer la seguridad de nuestro campus.

A medida que los administradores investigan y abordan esta situación, entendemos que la discusión continúa fuera de la escuela, lo que genera un nivel de ansiedad y un mayor estado de alerta por parte de nuestros estudiantes, personal y comunidad. Felicitamos a aquellos estudiantes y familias que comparten información a través de Safe2Tel y otros canales, demostrando un gran orgullo en su escuela como socios para garantizar la seguridad de nuestro campus. ¡Es por eso que Vista Ridge es un lugar increíble para trabajar, aprender y liderar!

Mañana compartiremos más sobre el progreso de nuestra investigación. Como compartimos anteriormente, estamos comprometidos a investigar toda mala conducta hasta que lleguemos a conclusiones apropiadas y fundamentadas y asignemos consecuencias proporcionales para todos los involucrados. Busque esa información en su correo electrónico mañana por la tarde. Mientras tanto, el lunes se considera un día sin clases. Todas las clases y actividades están canceladas y no hay planes de aprendizaje remoto. Los estudiantes deben planear regresar el martes y continuar preparándose para las finales de la próxima semana.

D49 agradece a nuestros socios encargados de hacer cumplir la ley y anima a todos nuestros estudiantes y familias a mantenerse alerta y reportar cualquier actividad sospechosa. Le agradecemos su confianza, comprensión y apoyo en este asunto. La seguridad de los estudiantes, las familias y el personal en nuestros campus no es negociable. Seguiremos siendo proactivos para garantizar un entorno de aprendizaje seguro que espera a cada alumno del Distrito 49.

Gracias por su confianza y comprensión mientras trabajamos juntos para hacer de Vista Ridge el mejor lugar para aprender.

Atentamente,
Dr. Jason DaLee, director
Escuela secundaria Vista Ridge