Osborne Writes to Community About Newtown Shootings

SOMSD emailed this to the community on Friday night:

Dear South Orange/Maplewood School District Community,

You have probably heard about today’s tragic incident at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.  School violence is always horrific, and never more so than when our youngest children are involved.  We express our deepest condolences to the community of Newtown, most particularly to those families who have lost loved ones.

We realize that students may have questions or fears if they hear the news.  Resources for families to use to help their children cope with violence are listed below.  Please reassure your children that school is a safe place for them to learn and grow, and please know that safety concerns are always our top priority.

If your child needs extra support on Monday:

For Elementary Students:  Please let your child’s homeroom teacher know, and they can connect to support through the building social workers and social work interns. 

For Secondary Students:  Please contact school guidance counselors – they are standing by, ready to provide support. 

I know you all join me in sending our thoughts and deepest sympathy to the families of Sandy Hook Elementary School.  Let’s all spend some extra time with our children this weekend, and remember how very precious they are.

Sincerely, 

Brian G. Osborne, Ed.D.

Family Resources for Helping Children Cope with Violence:

http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/talkingviolence.pdf

http://www.parentingpress.com/violence/10tips.html

http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/school_shootings_helping_teens_cope_guide_parents