Recovery Supports

This page provides details on recovery supports that are available to students and families in the wake of Sept. 10. These include mental health resources, school and community events and groups, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Learn about the multiple layers of safety and security currently in place at Evergreen High School.

EHS Safety and Security

Featured Resources

The NMVC Virtual Resiliency Center webpage offers resources for students and families specific to support needed in the aftermath of a mass violence incident.

Visit the Virtual Resiliency Center

News and Updates

Mental Health Resources for Students, Staff and Community

Immediate assistance

Visit a walk-in crisis center in Jefferson County: Jefferson Center for Mental Health’s Crisis and Recovery Center (4643 Wadsworth Blvd, Wheat Ridge)
Visit other walk-in crisis centers in Metro Denver
Call or text Colorado’s Crisis Line at 988

On-site, at EHS, supports for students:

EHS and Jeffco counselors and mental health professionals, including a new trauma-informed on-site counselor and a Jefferson Center counselor, are available to students in the counseling wing of the school.
Wellness Rooms: Wellness Rooms are open for drop-ins and counseling support all day. We appreciate parents reminding their students that this resource exists to provide a quiet and peaceful space set aside just for students who need to take a break at any time during the school day. Students who would like to (optional and at their own pace) can talk with our counselors and on-site mental health professionals.
Jefferson Center Counselor: EHS has partnered with the Jefferson Center for Mental Health and Crisis Recovery Center to have a counselor from their team at our school to support students and staff. Students who would like to explore this resource can contact their school counselors for details.
Resilience 1220 Art Group: Each Wednesday at lunch at the end of the main hallway, Resilience 1220 will host an Art Group for students. Art provides a powerful outlet for expression and reflection, helping students to process emotions, reduce stress, and find meaning and connection in the healing process. We encourage our students to take part. Additional weekly wellness activities are offered at lunch time. Students can stay informed of these activities by checking their Google Classroom pages.
Sources of Strength Peer Training: Sources of Strength is a group of EHS student leaders who have received training to provide positive, supportive connections for their classmates, offering help in navigating challenges, encouragement, and a listening ear. Students who would like to connect with a Sources of Strength peer can reach out to their counselor to learn more.

Ongoing Supports

Hazel Health: Jeffco Public Schools partners with Hazel Health, Inc. to provide free, additional physical and mental health care services for students. This a telehealth extension of support to Jeffco students enrolled at district-managed schools.
Virtual option: NMVC Virtual Resiliency Center offers resources for students and families specific to support needed in the aftermath of a mass violence incident.
Transcend NMVC App: The Transcend NMVC app is a free resource developed by the National Mass Violence and Victimization Resource Center (NMVVRC) to support individuals recovering from trauma. It offers practical, evidence-based tools to help users manage distress, calm the body and mind, and cope with loss or overwhelming events. This self-help tool was originally designed for those affected by mass violence to help people navigate stress or emotional recovery. A built-in “Get Help” feature connects users directly to crisis hotlines and to victim, financial, and legal support services.

Tips for talking with and supporting your child

Child Mind Institute: Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event: English | Spanish
National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Talking to children about school shootings: English | Spanish

Resource for Parents/Caregivers

Resource for helping parents and caregivers manage their own distress after a shooting or tragic event

Meet the Evergreen Therapy Dogs

We will have emotional support dogs at our school to support students as they need it. Emotional support dogs can provide comfort to students in the moments they need it most and help to reduce stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Academic & Student Support

What kind of academic supports can my students expect?

Students have increased flexibility and support in the following ways:

Extended time to complete assignments to help students manage their workload, focus, and pacing. Flexible deadlines apply to classwork, projects, and/or essays. Students are asked to provide their request for an extension in writing (email) to their teacher. The teacher, in collaboration with the student, will determine an acceptable alternative submission date. Teachers have discretion to set submission dates and/or deny an extension when appropriate.
Extended time and increased flexibility for exams. Extra time on quizzes and tests is provided for all students who do not finish during standard testing time. For some classes, this may also include shortened tests, open-note options, and opportunities for group assessments, when appropriate. Teachers specify to their students which accommodations are in place for each exam.
Final exams will not negatively impact grades. They will still be required, but they will not lower a student’s final semester grade. Finals can only help raise a student’s grade—this grade protection is intended to reduce stress while still encouraging strong academic performance and give students the opportunity to raise grades through finals.
Grades Fall Semester: Students may opt for “Pass / No-Credit” in any course for this semester. These are only available through conversations with counselors.

These adjustments are designed to honor what students have experienced while ensuring we continue to uphold strong academic expectations and growth.

College & Career Readiness Updates

We are also pleased to share a significant celebration: 70% of our seniors have applied to at least one college by Nov. 15, the highest percentage in the past seven years. This speaks to the resilience, determination, and future-focus of the Class of 2026. We are proud of their efforts and will continue supporting seniors as they complete applications, secure scholarships, and next-step planning.

Additional Academic Supports

Math Support: We are thrilled to welcome Michael LaFave to the EHS team. He is supporting students across The Den, Study Skills classes, and a dedicated drop-in Math Support space.
AP Testing: Additional updates on AP testing and the potential for accommodations will be shared soon. Our administrative team is actively collaborating with the College Board to ensure students receive appropriate and timely support.
Thursday Advise with Labs
NHS Tutoring: NHS tutors provide up to 20 hours of free tutoring support to other EHS students. View a list of available NHS tutors.
- To schedule a tutoring appointment, students can go onto their grade level Google Classroom and schedule a tutoring appointment during their off periods or lunch. Students and tutors will receive reminders for their upcoming sessions. All NHS tutoring sessions will take place in the library.
Saturday AP tutors for Spring Semester: more details to come.
English Teacher: We are working to hire an additional English teacher to support academics.
P/SAT tutoring: Details on this tutoring service have been shared with students via Google Classroom
Varsity Tutors: This online tutoring service is on-demand for every student at EHS. Details have been shared with students via Google Classroom.

Enrollment & Attendance

Does my student need to have their ID at school?

Students must show their school ID when they arrive to school. If students do not have their ID, they can use their Infinite Campus app.

If I’d like to explore other school options for my student, who can we contact?

Parents can call 303-982-2372 or submit a JeffcoHelp request at JeffcoHelp.org for support with enrollment.

Security & Safety Measures

What security measures were in place before this event?

Our school has always prioritized a safe learning environment. Before this event, our security protocols included:

Controlled access to the building during school hours, with doors locked and monitored.
A system for all visitors to sign in and wear a badge.
Security cameras to monitor the school and grounds.
Dedicated Jeffco Safety and Security patrol coverage in the Evergreen area
Upgraded and new cameras: Since 2024, EHS has invested approximately $50,000 in cameras. This work has included adding cameras, replacing old cameras and purchasing additional storage space.

What new measures are being added for the return to school?

We are committed to enhancing our safety protocols to provide a secure and supportive environment for everyone. In addition to our existing measures, we are implementing the following:

Real-time video monitoring centrally at the district's Dispatch Center.
EHS is continuing with its planned maintenance and replacement of cameras.
Dedicated, armed School Resource Officer (SRO), Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy Odie Tucker.
Full-time, armed Jeffco R1 Safety and Security Officer.
Additional administrative supports for the Evergreen High School administrative team
Dedicated and floating substitute teachers for staff
Additional office staff and dedicated, on-site communications support for timely response
K-9 weapons detection program (on-site)

What are next steps for safety and security measures at EHS?

Based on committee feedback through survey data, committee recommendations, district analysis, and feasibility considerations, we will move forward with the following actions:

Move forward with bringing emergency alert system options to EHS staff for review; system vetting.
Explore AI weapon detection technologies further, including additional meetings with vendors and a staffing/training assessment. SAC and staff will continue to be engaged in this process.
Research behavioral detection strategies. This includes implementation of articulation area staff training and K-12 family learning opportunities on how to identify risks and behavior indicators.
Pause on metal detectors for now. This technology is costly, operationally complex, and is not strongly supported by students, staff, or families. This decision may be revisited in the future.
Continue the K-9 program. We are committed to keeping this program in place, and we will continue to evaluate the program and look at ways to potentially expand it in the future. Note: with the colder temps, Oak and his handler Dalton will be working inside the school’s vestibule more often. So if you don’t see them out front – please know they are here, but working more immediately inside the building.
Continue strengthening non-physical layers of safety, including mental health supports, student connection, staff training, and positive school culture—key components of psychological safety.
Consider grant funding opportunities to support safety enhancements without relying solely on limited school and district resources.
Conduct an environmental safety assessment to identify additional opportunities to strengthen campus security.

These decisions reflect a comprehensive approach to school safety—one that includes prevention, detection, and response as interconnected layers of protection.

Read January Update: Layers of Safety Update

Student Policies & Daily Operations

Can my kid have their cell phone?

As of Dec. 1, the EHS cell phone policy is updated to support academic focus and recovery. Cell phones must be stored in backpacks or classroom cubbies and may not be visible during instructional time. This is important for students and staff as we focus on academic recovery. We’ve seen a steady increase in phone use during class since we returned to learning, creating a distraction that interferes with learning and engagement.

While students may carry their phones during the school day and have them in class, they are expected to keep them put away during class. Phones that are visible or in use during class time will be taken and stowed by staff for the remainder of that class period. We ask families to partner with us in reinforcing this expectation and in reminding students that staying present and focused is essential to both individual success and a strong learning environment for everyone.

Can they leave the classroom if they need to?

Yes. Wellness rooms and drop-in counseling supports are offered all day for students who need to take a pause at any time during the school day.

Can kids bring backpacks?

In the wake of September 10, EHS temporarily modified our school’s backpack policy, allowing students to bring backpacks to school but requiring them to remain in lockers during the day. This change was an important step in the immediate aftermath to help ensure safety and comfort for all.

Over the past two months, as students and staff have expressed growing comfort and confidence, we’ve re-evaluated the policy. We hear and understand that students want backpacks returned as a symbol of normalcy and academic functionality. A recent survey shows strong support—more than 85% of the students and 80% of staff favor allowing backpacks back in classrooms—and we’re ready to move forward with this adjustment.

Therefore, backpacks are once again allowed in classrooms. This decision was made with careful consideration to student and staff feedback and in collaboration with our school security team, the Jeffco Safe Schools team, and the National Mass Violence Center.