Over the past few weeks, we in the Washington D.C. community found ourselves reeling from yet another senseless act of gun violence that has taken the life of a Dunbar High School student. We express our deepest sympathy for his family, friends, classmates and educators.

These heartbreaking tragedies should have no place in our schools or our communities. Children deserve the right to be considered safe, especially in places to learn and grow.

Unfortunately, these events have become far too common in our nation’s capital. We have surpassed 200 homicides this year alone — reaching a grim milestone that continues to rise. As we deal with this horrific crisis of violence, it is our young people who suffer its worst consequences.

At Communities in Schools of the Nation’s Capital (CIS), we stand in support of students and families. We are committed to ensuring that every student has what they need to realize their full potential in school and beyond. In these harrowing moments, we will continue to listen and respond to the needs of our students and families.

CIS of the Nation’s Capital has ongoing mental health resources available and amid this tragedy has increased access to trauma care professionals who are available to students and families.