October 23, 2013
Dear Tri-Town Parents, Guardians, Teachers and
Staff,
Once
again we are compelled to come together as school communities to respond to this
week’s horrific events on Tuesday at a Middle School in Nevada and yesterday at
Danvers High School. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and
educators impacted so directly in these two learning and teaching communities. The
loss of two dedicated teachers within days of each other is most difficult to
comprehend. All of us directly involved in the educational process are deeply
affected by having such unimaginable events occur in schools. The sense of loss
we feel is deep as we try to understand that which is so difficult to
understand. We
all feel vulnerable in times like these; however by working together we can
renew our strength and sense of well being and safety.
A
number of our staff members live in Danvers. Many of them have children who
attend school in Danvers. Many of our
families and staff have relatives and friends who live in Danvers. Many of us
have professional colleagues who work in the Danvers school system. We can all
look for ways to support them as their children prepare to return to class in
the days to come.
We will look for ways to reach out to offer support to all dealing
with the trauma of this week’s attacks. Locally, we will continue to work with
our public safety officials in building school cultures that promote safe
environments for learning and teaching in our schools and our communities.
We are including in this message two resources, which were
shared in April at the time of the Marathon bombing, which you may find to be
helpful in “listening” and “talking” with children and each other about this
week’s tragic events.
- The
first resource is from the National Association of School Psychologists
(NASP) (2013): “Helping Children Cope With Terrorism- Tips for
Families and Educators”
“Acts of violence that hurt innocent people are frightening
and upsetting. Children and youth will look to adults for information and
guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children cope
first and foremost by establishing a sense of safety and security. As horrible
as these events are, children need to know that acts of terrorism are extremely
rare in the United States. As information becomes available, adults can
continue to help children work through their emotions and help them to learn
how to cope with other life challenges.
All Adults Should:
1.
Model calm and control. Children
take their emotional cues from the significant
adults in their lives. Avoid appearing unnecessarily anxious
or frightened.
2. Reassure children that they are safe and (if true)
so are the important adults and other loved ones in their lives. Depending on
the situation, point out factors that help ensure their immediate safety and
that of their community.
3. Remind them that trustworthy people are in charge.
Explain that emergency workers, police, firefighters, doctors, and the
government are helping people who are hurt and are working to ensure that no
further tragedies like this occur.
4. Let children know that it is okay to feel upset. Explain
that all feelings are okay when a tragedy like this occurs. While you do not
want to force children to do so, let children talk about their feelings and
help put them into perspective. Even anger is okay, but children may need help
and patience from adults to assist them in expressing these feelings
appropriately.
5. Tell children the truth. Don’t try to pretend the event
has not occurred or that it is not serious. Children are smart. They will be
more worried if they think you are too afraid to tell them what is happening.
At the same time, however, don’t offer unasked for details. Let children’s
questions be your guide.
6. Stick to the facts. Don’t embellish or speculate about
what has happened and who might be responsible. Don’t dwell on the scale or
scope of the tragedy, particularly with young children.
7. Be careful not to stereotype people that might be associated
with the violence. Children can easily generalize negative statements and
develop prejudice. Talk about tolerance and justice versus vengeance. Stop any
bullying or teasing immediately.
8. Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate. Early
elementary school children need brief, simple information that should be
balanced with reassurances that the daily structures of their lives will not
change. Upper elementary and early middle school children maybe more vocal in
asking questions about whether they truly are safe. They may need assistance
separating reality from fantasy. Upper middle school and high school students
may have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence and threats
to safety in schools and society. They may share concrete suggestions about how
to make school safer and how to prevent tragedies in society. They will be more
committed to doing something to help the victims and affected community. For
all children, encourage (but don’t force) them to verbalize their thoughts and
feelings. Be a good listener!
9. Maintain a “normal” routine. To the extent possible stick
to normal classroom or family routines but don’t be inflexible. Some children
may have a hard time concentrating on schoolwork or falling asleep at night.
10. Monitor or restrict viewing scenes of the event as well
as the aftermath. This should include viewing scenes of the event by social
media. For older children, caution against accessing news coverage from only
one source.
11. Observe children’s emotional state. Depending on their
age, children may not express their concerns verbally. Changes in behavior,
appetite, and sleep patterns can also indicate a child’s level of grief,
anxiety or discomfort. Children will express their emotions differently. There
is no right or wrong way to feel or express fear or grief.
12. Be aware of children at greater risk. Children who were
physically close to or knew someone affected by this particular event, have had
a past traumatic experience or personal loss, suffer from depression or other
mental illness, or with special needs may be at greater risk for severe
reactions than others. Be observant for those who may be at risk of suicide.
Seek the help of a mental health professional if you are at all concerned.
13. Provide an outlet for students’ desire to help. Consider
making get well cards or sending letters to the families and survivors of the
tragedy, or writing thank you letters to doctors, nurses, and other health care
professionals as well as emergency rescue workers, firefighters and police.
14. Keep lines of communication open between home and
school. Schools are a good place for children to experience a sense of
normalcy. Being with their friends and teachers is helpful. Schools should
inform families about available resources, such as talking points or
counseling, and plans for information sharing and discussions with students.
Parents should let their child’s teacher or school mental health professional
know if they have concerns or feel their child may need extra support.
15. Monitor your own stress level. Don’t ignore your own
feelings of anxiety, grief, and anger. Talking to friends, family members,
religious leaders, and mental health counselors can help. It is okay to let
your children know that you are sad, upset, or anxious; but that you believe
things will get better. You will be better able to support your children if you
can express your own emotions in a productive manner. Get appropriate sleep,
nutrition, and exercise. “
© 2013, National Association of School Psychologists, 4340
East West Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 657-0270, Fax (301)
657-0275; www.nasponline.org
- The second
resource is an excellent five minute video for us as parents and educators
to use when preparing to talk with our children:
Do not hesitate to
contact your school’s principal, school psychologist, counselor or teachers
with any questions you or your children may have. We are ready to work with you
to provide your children the support they need.
Sincerely
Bernie
Creeden
Superintendent of Schools
