June 2, 2023

Dear Royal Oak Schools Families,

Providing our students and staff in Royal Oak Schools with a safe, educational environment remains one of our top priorities. We are all aware of incidents of gun violence in surrounding communities and nationwide.

Studies on school-based gun violence consistently indicate that addressing students' unauthorized access to guns at home is a significant factor in preventing such incidents. For example, a recent Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center study of targeted school violence incidents from 2008 to 2017 found that students from the home of a parent or close relative obtained 76% of firearms.

Unsecured guns in the home pose a risk to students beyond gun violence in schools. Every year, 350 children under 18 unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else. Gun suicide among children has reached the highest rate in over 20 years.

Research shows that safe firearm storage practices are associated with up to an 85% reduction in the risk of self-inflicted and unintentional firearm injuries among children and teens. Storing firearms securely protects any child in the home and students throughout the school district and community.

Read the City of Royal Oak and Royal Oak Police Department Proclamation Declaring the First Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Read Royal Oak Schools Secure Storage Proclamation here

If you want a free gun lock, stop by the Royal Oak Police Department, 24/7, no questions asked.

Be Smart for Kids offers other helpful resources, including a secure storage fact sheet, talking to your children about guns, and facts and resources on child firearm suicide.

Thank you for helping keep our community safe.

Sincerely,

Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, Superintendent, Royal Oak Schools

Be SMART