Subject: Message from the Superintendent
From: Christina Superintendent Dr. Freeman Williams
Dear Christina School District Community:
I join you in being shocked and deeply saddened by the events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Our nation has suffered a terrible tragedy, and we share in grieving with the families who have lost loved ones to this senseless act. Every school in Christina will fly flags at half-mast, we will continue to focus on school security, and we will offer counseling for any
student who wishes it.
My administrative team and I have spent the weekend reviewing safety and security measures in all Christina School District Schools. Facilities staff members have reached out to each building and are reviewing the use of security already in place as well as assessing any refinements necessary in specific locations. School crisis teams are meeting to review their plans and ensure that
their procedures are in place. Schools are also scheduling drills in schools so that students and staff are aware of emergency procedures. In addition, we are reviewing school entrances and assessing the security of doorways and intercom equipment.
Shoshana Bereskin, a counselor at Gallaher Elementary School, has provided a list of resources, below, to help children talk about the tragedy. Our school counselors are an excellent resource, and will be available to all children to answer questions and provide support.
Disaster Mental Health Resources<http://www.counseling.org/sub/dmh/resources.aspx>
from American Counseling Association (ACA)
Disaster Trauma Responses of Children<http://www.counseling.org/sub/dmh/Fact%20Sheet%203%20-%20Disaster%20and%20Trauma%20Responses%20of%20Children.pdf>
from American Counseling Association (ACA)
Emergency Management Resources and <http://www.safeschools.info/emergency-management/emergency-management-resources>
Emergency Planning Links<http://www.safeschools.info/emergency-management/emergency-management-resources>
from Center for Safe Schools
Helping Children Cope with Tragedy Related Anxiety<http://www.nmha.org/go/information/get-info/coping-with-disaster/helping-children-handle-disaster-related-anxiety>
from Mental Health America (MHA)
Helping Kids During a Crisis<http://www.schoolcounselor.org/content.asp?contentid=672>
from American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
How to Talk to Children About School Shooting<http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20121214/talk-children-school-shooting?src=RSS_PUBLIC>
from WebMD
How to Talk to Your Kids About the Conn. Shooting<http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/12/14/167269582/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-the-conn-shooting?utm_source=science&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20121214>
from National Public Radio (NPR)
Memorial Activities at School: A List of "Do's" and "Don'ts"<http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/memorialdo_donot.pdf>
from National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
Practical Information on Crisis Planning: A Guide for Schools and
Communities<http://www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/crisisplanning.pdf>
from Ed.gov<http://Ed.gov>
Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting<http://www.cmionline.com/current-events/>
from Crisis Management
Talking to Children About the Shooting<http://www.nctsnet.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/talking_to_children_about_the_shooting.pdf>
from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)Talking with Children
About Subjects: Illness, Death, Violence and Disaster<http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/talking_children_about_difficult_subjects_illness_death_violence_disaster?CSRT=16666997678636257062>
from NYU Child Study Center
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers<http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/talkingviolence.pdf>
from National Association of School Psychologists
Tips for Talking to Children About the Elementary School Mass
Shooting<http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/15/health/tips-for-talking-to-children-about-the-elementary-school-mass-shooting.html?_r=2&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1355521410-nkTBhktJ2Tab0WRiB2MHyg>
from New York Times
Our goal in the Christina School District is to operate as normally as possible and to begin the healing process. We remain committed to ensuring the highest level of school security, and welcome your suggestions and feedback.
Freeman L. Williams, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Christina School District
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