Good Morning.
The events in Connecticut are tragic. I have received e-mails regarding our response and need everybody to read the following from our Lead Psychologist.
In preparation for any questions or concerns that students may have concerning Friday's tragedy, it is not expected that school staff will bring up what happened and have discussions about it. The resources provided to you are to help you and your staff should there be a need to address those questions and concerns if they arise. I suggest the following:
Corliss Thompson-Drew, Psy. D., NCSP
WSFCS Lead Psychologist
Below is the text from Dr. Martin;
Like you, I am shocked and saddened by the school shootings in Newtown, Conn. The scope of the tragedy is beyond comprehension. The images are heartbreaking, and the stories of teachers and students protecting each other in such terrible circumstances are an inspiration. All of our schools and staff send our condolences, prayers and thoughts to the Sandy Hook community.
Here in WS/FCS, the safety and security of your children is of utmost importance to us. Each school practices its lockdown procedures twice a year. We maintain close relationships with the Winston-Salem Police Department, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and the Kernersville Police Department. In fact, earlier this year we began revising our safety manual with their help. We will review our safety procedures in light of what happened in Newtown to see how they can be improved.
I’m sure your children will ask questions about Sandy Hook that will be difficult to answer. Our Student Services Department has prepared resources for principals and teachers as we go back to school tomorrow. We’ve posted those on our website, and you can see them at the links below; you may find them helpful in conversations with your children. Our school psychologists, social workers and counselors also are prepared to help children as they think about these difficult issues. If you have questions, please talk to your child’s teacher, principal or school counselor.
The end of the year is always cause for reflection. I am thankful for the chance to work with your children and appreciate your support of our school system. I hope your holidays and the new year are filled with peace and happiness.
Best wishes,
Don Martin
Superintendent
More info from Dr. Thompson Drew;
In light of Friday's tragic event in Newtown, MA, some general information and best practices for assisting your staff, students, and parents have been provided to the psychologists, social workers, and counselors serving your schools.
Given the media coverage, it is likely that a fair number of students, staff, and parents may have questions and concerns. It is difficult to know what the needs at your schools may be. I am providing you with an article entitled "Talking to Children About Violence (in English and Spanish) for your parents that may be posted on your website or sent home. The other two articles are intended for the use of you and your staff.
In general, we want to make sure of the following:
Corliss Thompson-Drew, Psy. D., NCSP
WSFCS Lead Psychologist
Subs for today
Marion Williams for Donna McNatt
The events in Connecticut are tragic. I have received e-mails regarding our response and need everybody to read the following from our Lead Psychologist.
In preparation for any questions or concerns that students may have concerning Friday's tragedy, it is not expected that school staff will bring up what happened and have discussions about it. The resources provided to you are to help you and your staff should there be a need to address those questions and concerns if they arise. I suggest the following:
- Take your cues from the students. Let them share what they may have heard and ask questions.
- Be prepared to answer. Give the facts of what happened (a brief statement is much better than a lengthy recap).
- Model calm. Acknowledge feelings - yours and theirs - this is a tragedy and we all feel sad.
- Reassure students that this kind of event is unusual and that we have safety measures in place to prevent this kind of thing from happening to them. Assure them that this kind of tragedy is investigated carefully, to identify causes and help prevent it from happening again.
- Some children find comfort in doing something as a remembrance, e.g. drawing pictures, making cards, or writing notes.
Corliss Thompson-Drew, Psy. D., NCSP
WSFCS Lead Psychologist
Below is the text from Dr. Martin;
Like you, I am shocked and saddened by the school shootings in Newtown, Conn. The scope of the tragedy is beyond comprehension. The images are heartbreaking, and the stories of teachers and students protecting each other in such terrible circumstances are an inspiration. All of our schools and staff send our condolences, prayers and thoughts to the Sandy Hook community.
Here in WS/FCS, the safety and security of your children is of utmost importance to us. Each school practices its lockdown procedures twice a year. We maintain close relationships with the Winston-Salem Police Department, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and the Kernersville Police Department. In fact, earlier this year we began revising our safety manual with their help. We will review our safety procedures in light of what happened in Newtown to see how they can be improved.
I’m sure your children will ask questions about Sandy Hook that will be difficult to answer. Our Student Services Department has prepared resources for principals and teachers as we go back to school tomorrow. We’ve posted those on our website, and you can see them at the links below; you may find them helpful in conversations with your children. Our school psychologists, social workers and counselors also are prepared to help children as they think about these difficult issues. If you have questions, please talk to your child’s teacher, principal or school counselor.
- Talking
to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (http://wsfcs.k12.nc.us/talk)
- Managing
Strong Emotional Reactions to Traumatic Events: Tips for Parents and Teachers (http://wsfcs.k12.nc.us/manage)
The end of the year is always cause for reflection. I am thankful for the chance to work with your children and appreciate your support of our school system. I hope your holidays and the new year are filled with peace and happiness.
Best wishes,
Don Martin
Superintendent
More info from Dr. Thompson Drew;
In light of Friday's tragic event in Newtown, MA, some general information and best practices for assisting your staff, students, and parents have been provided to the psychologists, social workers, and counselors serving your schools.
Given the media coverage, it is likely that a fair number of students, staff, and parents may have questions and concerns. It is difficult to know what the needs at your schools may be. I am providing you with an article entitled "Talking to Children About Violence (in English and Spanish) for your parents that may be posted on your website or sent home. The other two articles are intended for the use of you and your staff.
In general, we want to make sure of the following:
- Provide opportunities for those students who have a need to express and process their feelings.
- Reassure students and let them know that they are safe.
- Dispel any rumors. Stick to the facts of what is actually known.
- Maintain the regular routine in school.
- Be aware of and follow up with any student for whom this event may trigger/create significant emotional responses.
- Let parents know what you are doing to care for their children's needs and provide suggestions for them.
Corliss Thompson-Drew, Psy. D., NCSP
WSFCS Lead Psychologist
Subs for today
Marion Williams for Donna McNatt
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