December 17, 2012
Dear Families:
We as a community understand loss and grief. Our faith guides us to believe in life after death, in the arms of our Savior. Our faith is our strength; our refuge in time of tragedy. Our faith guides us to realize that this is beyond our understanding.
For children, routines are assurance that their world is in order. This week will be busy before Christmas break. We will do our best to keep to our normal routines. If students ask questions, the staff will answer as simply and honestly as possible without discussing details. Staff members will be available if any student needs to talk or simply to be reassured.
Our safety procedures are in place and are regularly practiced. As a side note, I wanted to let you know we
recently had a visitor to our school who told me she was so impressed because after identifying herself and being buzzed in, she had two different adults stop her on the short distance to the office to ask if they could help her. She was also so impressed by the atmosphere in our building when she was given a tour, and she registered her child for next year.
Because teachers requested it, the Parish Office is now using visitor badges for inspectors, etc. who need access to our building, just as we do in the school office. You can help us by reminding your child(ren) they should not open an outer access door for any adults, even if they know the person visiting. We will continue to review the plans we have in place and look for areas for improvement.
In last week’s ‘Weekly Word’ I encouraged parents to be vigilant in checking your children’s internet and social media sites. I would also like to add to that a plea to monitor their access to violent video games, TV shows and movies.
The Diocese of Columbus has provided resources for parents in talking with their children. They are listed on the reverse side of this letter, along with suggestions from the National Mental Health Association.
The Sandy Hook tragedy is beyond the strength of our hearts to endure and our minds to comprehend. May perpetual light shine upon the lives senselessly lost. May the angels lead them to paradise. May they rest in peace. May the community feel the prayers of the world and bring comfort to their broken hearts. Prayers seem to be the greatest gift we can offer at this time.
In His Name,
Mrs. Mary T. Walsh
PrincipalResources:
http://www.childrenswishingwell.org/talking-to-children-about-the-shooting-at-sandy-hook-elementary/
SUGGESTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION
Be alert for any child getting more upset than a normal response such as losing sleep or having nightmares. "For the average child, having the opportunity for a day or two to express it and then let it dissipate, that’s going to be the normal response."
Melissa Brymer, director of the terrorism and disaster programs at the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress at UCLA, suggests talking at a time when you can focus on your child’s verbal and nonverbal responses, perhaps after dinner. Bedtime isn’t a good choice, since the child’s anxiety could spiral late at night. “Explain that emergencies can happen in many different ways,” says Brymer, “and that schools have crisis plans to make sure kids are safe so they can learn.”
To guide parents through difficult discussions about school violence, the National Mental Health Association offers the following suggestions:
· Encourage children to talk about their concerns and to express their feelings. Some children may be hesitant to initiate such conversation, so you may want to prompt them by asking if they feel safe at school. When talking with younger children remember to talk on their level. For example, they may not understand the term “violence” but can talk to you about being afraid of a classmate who is mean to them.
· Talk honestly about your own feelings regarding school violence. It is important for children to recognize they are not dealing with their fears alone.
· Validate the child’s feelings. Do not minimize a child’s concerns. Let him/her know that serious school violence is not common, which is why these incidents attract so much media attention. Stress that schools are safe places. In fact, recent studies have shown that schools are more secure now than ever before.
· Empower children to take action regarding school safety. Encourage them to report specific incidents (such as bullying, threats or talk of suicide) and to develop problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Encourage older children to actively participate in student-run anti-violence programs.
· Discuss the safety procedures that are in place at your child’s school. Explain why visitors sign in at the principal’s office or certain doors remain locked during the school day. Help your child understand that such precautions are in place to ensure his or her safety and stress the importance of adhering to school rules and policies.
· Create safety plans with your child. Help identify which adults (a friendly secretary, trusted teacher or approachable administrator) your child can talk to if they feel threatened at school. Also ensure that your child knows how to reach you (or another family member or friend) in case of crisis during the school day. Remind your child that they can talk to you anytime they feel threatened.
· Recognize behavior that may indicate your child is concerned about returning to school. Younger children may react to school violence by not wanting to attend school or school-based activities. Teens/adolescents may minimize their concerns outwardly, but may become argumentative, withdrawn, or allow school performance to decline.
· Keep the dialogue going and make school safety a common topic in family discussions rather than just a response to an immediate crisis. Open dialogue will encourage children to share their concerns.
· Seek help when necessary. If you are worried about a child’s reaction or have ongoing concerns about his/her behavior or emotions, contact a mental health professional at school or at your community mental health center.
