Dear
Parents,
We are
deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in Connecticut and have come together as
faculty and staff to discuss how to help our students navigate this difficult
time and to examine our existing emergency procedures. While these topics
are not pleasant to contemplate, they are necessary. Honest discussion
has helped us to simplify and strengthen our emergency protocols and identify
areas where we need to seek professional help and advice. In addition to
practicing various drills with the staff, we will continue a regular review of
our emergency guidelines.
While every
family must make a personal decision about how and when to discuss the recent
tragedy or answer questions at home, please be assured that we are here as a
school community to provide support, resources, or simply a listening ear as
you help your children work through this confusing time.
We want you
to know that we are doing everything we can to ensure that your children are
safe at Friends School. While the tragedy has been discussed in some of
the upper school classrooms, there has not been any discussion in the younger
grades because children have not brought it up. We won’t initiate
conversation on the topic, but faculty and staff members will be available for
individual conversations with any student.
The
following short paper titled Helping Children Cope was published by the
Association of School Psychologists and it contains many tips on how to
approach and talk about this incident with children. There are sections
for adults, parents, and schools. You may find this helpful to read.
Please know
that our first priority is to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all
of our students. In addition to our continued review and attention to
safety at school, we will continue to show our students that they are cared for
and loved. Therefore, the hugs will keep coming.
I look
forward to seeing everyone at the Holiday Gathering on Thursday.
Dan
