December 17, 2012

Dear Parent / Guardian

We are all horrified and affected by the school shooting in Connecticut today and I know after the shock, our thoughts turn to our own schools and our own students/children. It is understandable that there will be some anxiety about this incident.

While the potential for such an incident taking place in our schools is very low, in response to the incident our school staff has reviewed our School Safety Alert system processes and ensured we are all up-to-date and vigilant.

Staff members have been asked to watch for student reaction and to privately offer support if needed.

As a parent/guardian, you too can help your child. It is important that you are very careful to protect preschool and elementary-aged children from exposure to news media images and stories regarding the school shooting, as well as avoid overexposure generally.  Also listen and watch for signs your child may need more support.

Please feel free to contact the school if you think a counselor can assist, or if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

C. Chretien                                                        B. Bennett

Acting Principal                                             Vice-Principal

Strategies for parents/guardians to support children through times of grief

 Be yourself – Demonstrate your natural concern calmly and in your own words.

 Be available – Spend time with your child. Attempt to distract your child by reading, walking, going to a movie, etc.

 Listen – Let your child express his/her thoughts, concerns, feelings, and perceptions in a nonjudgmental, emotionally safe environment.

 Explain – Talk about what you know in short, ruthful statements. Don’t be afraid to admit that

you do not have all the answers.

 Do not  speculate.

 Develop resiliency – Your child will look to you for reassurance. Do not convey your own feelings of hopelessness, but rather let your child know that they will get through this difficult period.

 Provide comfort – Physical and verbal comforts are great healers.

 Attend to physical manifestations of trauma –  Children will often complain of headaches, stomach aches, backaches, etc. Monitor physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, anxiety, sleep disturbance, etc. and determine whether

medical intervention is required.

Maintain regular routines – As much as possible, attempt to provide normalcy to your

child. Humans are creatures of habit and derive comfort from regular routines.

 Monitor media exposure – Do not overexpose your child to media reports (especially

preschool and elementary age children).

 Seek additional support – When appropriate, your child should be directed to community

support agencies.