Tragedy in Schools

To help MHS parents and community know what is going on in school today, this is what I sent to to teachers before school. Also, I convened the MHS Crisis Team to review our procedures on keeping kids safe. Administration and department coordinators will be vigilant and visible today and in the days ahead. I am asking department coordinators to provide me with a 'pulse' of the school, and I will pass along their observations later today.


Good morning, everyone.

I am so incredibly saddened recognizing, that, as a school community, we grieve with the families and community of Newtown, Ct.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they continue to deal with this senseless tragedy.

On Friday, Dr. Evans sent a letter to families to assist them in dealing with this tragedy.  The letter is attached in case you did not see it. [if any parents did not receive the letter, please let me know- Dr. Dias]

This morning, during announcements, we will conduct a moment of silence to remember the victims of this shooting.  We will also remind students of the adults in the building they can seek out should they have questions or if they are struggling with the events on Friday. Please remember that when events like this occur, students may respond in a variety of ways.  We should do our best to offer them support as necessary, while engaging in as regular a school day as possible. The Social Studies Department is collaborating together to discuss this event as described below.

As recommended by the National Association of School Psychologists, we need to be mindful of the content of conversations that we have with each other in front of students, and limit their exposure to vengeful, hateful, and angry comments that might be misunderstood.

Finally, events like this always remind us of the importance of school security.  Please continue to follow the established procedures and reacquaint yourself  our lock-down procedure.  In the coming days and weeks, we will review our security procedures to ensure that we are as safe as possible at Medway High School.

The information below is from the paper, A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope, released by the National Association of School Psychologists.

Tips for Parents and Teachers:
Whenever a national tragedy occurs, such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters, children, like many people, may be confused or frightened. Most likely they will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react.~ Parents and school personnel can help children cope first and foremost by establishing a sense of safety and security. As more information becomes available, adults can continue to help children work through their emotions and perhaps even use the process as a learning experience.
All Adults Should:

1. Model calm and control.~ Children take their emotional cues from the significant adults in their lives. Avoid appearing anxious or frightened.
2. Reassure children that they are safe~and (if true) so are the other important adults in their lives. Depending on the situation, point out factors that help insure their immediate safety and that of their community.
3. Remind them that trustworthy people are in charge.~ Explain that the government emergency workers, police, firefighters, doctors, and the military are helping people who are hurt and are working to ensure that no further tragedies occur.
4. Let children know that it is okay to feel upset.~ Explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy like this occurs.~ Let children talk about their feelings and help put them into perspective.~ Even anger is okay, but children may need help and patience from adults to assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately.
5. Observe children’s emotional state.~ Depending on their age, children may not express their concerns verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can also indicate a child’s level of grief, anxiety or discomfort.~ Children will express their emotions differently. There is no right or wrong way to feel or express grief.~
6. Look for children at greater risk.~ Children who have had a past traumatic experience or personal loss, suffer from depression or other mental illness, or with special needs may be at greater risk for severe reactions than others.~ Be particularly observant for those who may be at risk of suicide.~ Seek the help of mental health professional if you are at all concerned.
7. Tell children the truth. Don’t try to pretend the event has not occurred or that it is not serious.~ Children are smart.~ They will be more worried if they think you are too afraid to tell them what is happening.
8. Stick to the facts.~ Don’t embellish or speculate about what has happened and what might happen. Don’t dwell on the scale or scope of the tragedy, particularly with young children.
9. Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate.~Upper middle school and high school~students will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence and threats to safety in schools and society.~ They will share concrete suggestions about how to make school safer and how to prevent tragedies in society. They will be more committed to doing something to help the victims and affected community.~~For all children, encourage them to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. Be a good listener!
10. Monitor your own stress level.~~Don’t ignore your own feelings of anxiety, grief, and anger. Talking to friends, family members, religious leaders, and mental health counselors can help. It is okay to let your children know that you are sad, but that you believe things will get better. You will be better able to support your children if you can express your own emotions in a productive manner. Get appropriate sleep, nutrition, and exercise.

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School Announcement
This is Dr. Dias, your principal. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
[read pledge]
Please remain standing for a moment of silence to remember the victims of the tragedy that occurred on Friday in Newton, Ct.

Thank you, you may be seated.

Our thoughts are with the families and community of Newtown, Ct. as they deal with this unspeakable tragedy.  Many of us are, understandably, very sad about the events that took place.  If you are upset and need someone to talk to, please know that our guidance staff: Mrs. Pearl, Mrs. O'Byrne, Ms. Lisk, Mrs. Ford, Ms. Kitka, and Mrs. Cumming are here and available to speak with you.   

Please know that we have many procedures in place to keep the students and faculty of Medway High School safe.  If you have any concerns, please share them with one of your teachers, your guidance counselor, Mrs. Pearl, Mr. Rubin, or me.

Thank you.