In light of the recent events in our Nation, children may be experiencing a variety of different feelings and concerns. Should you need additional support, your School Counselor and Student Assistance Specialists are always available to assist you and would be happy to meet with your child as well to process this difficult time. Please see the links below that can help to support and guide your conversations with your children.

• Teaching Tolerance "When Bad Things Are Happening" -"When news breaks of disaster or violence, your students may want to discuss a crisis as it unfolds. Here’s how." 
• Child Mind Institute "Helping Children Cope With Frightening News" 
• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers - "High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears."
• Child Mind Institute "Racism and Violence: How to Help Kids Handle the News"
• Tips for Talking to Children After Traumatic Events: A Guide for Parents and Teachers - Mass Violence - Gracepoint Wellness:  Traumatic events, such as shootings, bombings, or other violent acts, can leave children feeling frightened, confused, and insecure.    Whether a child has personally experienced trauma, has seen the event on television, or has merely heard it discussed by adults, it is important for parents and educators to be informed and ready to help if stress reactions begin to occur.
• Promoting Compassion and Acceptance in Crisis: A natural reaction to acts of extreme violence, like school shootings, rioting, and terrorist attacks, is the desire to lash out and punish the perpetrators or perceived enemy.
• NY Times: These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids
• How to Talk to Your Kids About Trauma
• Talking to Your Kids About Trauma - Stanford Children’s Health Blog Healthier, Happy Lives Blog
• Talking to Kids About the Attack on the Capitol