Feeling Safe At School and Home

I hope you’re feeling okay and that you are treating yourself gently as you continue to support your students, families, and coworkers. I’m sure that many of us had similar experiences today. Somehow, it helped to know that even though we were miles away from each other, we were all working together in support of our school families, and of each other.

Today was a busy, overwhelming day, but I do feel like we made a good beginning at helping our students feel safe and able to express and help themselves with their feelings.

Talking with Students in Response to the Sandy Hook Shooting

I’m sure all of you are heartbroken over the tragedy of the shooting at Sandy Hook. I’m also sure that you’ve been very busy trying to prepare for your response at school tomorrow and in the following week. I too have been busy trying to make sure that we have all our supports in place at my school, while also supporting the new elementary school counselors in my district as they plan their responses. And also while trying to care for myself as I process this horrible situation and steady myself for the work I need to do.

One of the things I did was to create a script for my colleagues, outlining how and what I will say when I go into the classrooms tomorrow. In case that is also helpful for you, I have linked to it here.

After the Storm: Helping Students and Colleagues (and Yourself)

Those who are dealing with the physical, financial, and emotional aftermath of Hurricane Sandy face a long struggle, with many months, perhaps even years, of unwanted changes and unforeseen hurdles. The challenge of clean-up and recovery is daunting, but not impossible. Here in my community, rebuilding from Tropical Storm Irene, which devastated many parts of Vermont, is still underway. There was quite a bit of anxiety as Sandy approached. The trauma experienced 14 months ago was on the minds of many; for some the trauma was retriggered. Thankfully, we escaped the worst of it this time, but not everyone was so lucky.

Resource for Parents: How to Talk to Children About the Recent Shooting

The recent shooting in Aurora, Colorado is a terrifying specter to all of us, but especially to children. I know that some of our kids must be frightened and, without school in session, may not have the opportunity to talk about their fears. I’m sure that many of them have seen lots of media coverage and may be thinking about all the times that they have been to the movies and what it will be like when they go the next time. Some of them were anxiously awaiting the new Batman movie and that excitement and anticipation may now be mixed with fear or anxiety. At times like this I wish school was in session. We would have