Dear Northeast ECHS/International High School Community, 

Thank you for your continued cooperation as we work through yesterday’s violent incident in our campus parking lot and the lockdown. This is something we practice for as a community, but hope never happens, and we are proud of the way we’ve moved through this process together. 

Before we get into details for the rest of the week, I first want to share my immense gratitude for Austin ISD Police Sergeant Val Barnes who was injured yesterday. Sgt. Barnes has served our district for 29 years and I have no doubts that his response protected our students and staff from any outside threat. 

Austin ISD Police, as well as partner law enforcement entities and first responders, were invaluable in not only getting Sgt. Barnes the medical attention he needed, but also swiftly investigating the incident. We are grateful for all first responders who had a part in yesterday’s response. 

I also want to acknowledge the conduct of our students, staff and parents. Lockdowns are a serious matter and our students and staff responded incredibly well and trusted the process. Our parents were also responsive in completing the reunification process in an orderly fashion, which helped our district staff. 

Classes will resume tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Northeast and International. End of Course (EOC) assessments will not be held on Thursday. 

There will be two family meetings held tomorrow to further support you in processing this incident. An in-person family meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. in the theater. For families that would like to gather virtually, we will meet at 5:45 p.m. via XXXX.

Additional supports will be available for the rest of the week. This includes Licensed Mental Health Professionals, Communities in Schools, Austin Police Department counselors and members of our Social Emotional Learning and Cultural Proficiency and Inclusiveness teams. 

If you need additional assistance please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you and our students.