Tuesday, June 14, 2016

SCHOOL DISTRICT ISSUES SUPPORT TO DEAL WITH ORLANDO TRAGEDY

From the school district today:

Dear South Orange Maplewood Families and Staff:
Our nation and our community have been shocked at the news reports of the violent attack in Orlando, and our hearts go out to all those affected by the tragedy.  We express our deepest condolences to the community of Orlando, most particularly to those families who have lost loved ones.
We realize that students may have questions or fears if they have heard the news reports.  Resources for families to use to help their children cope with news of violence are listed below, along with resources for LGBT youth.  The Mayo Clinic also has some information on Helping Children Cope: Tips for Talking to Children about Tragedy.  The link is below, and the text follows this letter.
If your child needs extra support at school:
For Elementary Students:  Please let your child’s homeroom teacher know, and they can connect to support through the building social workers.
For Secondary Students:  Please contact school guidance counselors – they are standing by, ready to provide support. 
You may have noticed the bright banner hanging from the Columbia High School clock tower.  This display of AP Art History student John Bell’s final project could not be timelier.  The artist has said “In light of the Orlando shooting, the flag is here to remind us of the work we have to do and to celebrate LGBT people.”
We send our thoughts and deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.  Let us all spend some extra time with our children and our loved ones, and remember how very precious life is.
*     *     *
Family Resources:
http://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/war-and-terrorism/helping-children-cope-with-terrorism
http://www.parentingpress.com/violence/10tips.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/helping-children-cope/art-20047029?pg=1  
http://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/diversity/lgbtq-youth


Read the rest of the message HERE.

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