December 14, 2012

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are all saddened today by the tragic events that have occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. The emotional impact of a tragedy of this nature can be tremendous for both adults and children.

Over the next several weeks, you may see signs of sadness in your children. For some children, these events may remind them of some other loss in their lives. Children may also begin to question issues of safety and security. Parents/guardians can support their children by allowing them to express their feelings about these events and letting them know it is normal to feel upset. Here are a few suggestions for supporting your children through the next several weeks:

• Monitor your child’s exposure to television and radio coverage of these events. Viewing or listening to graphic news may cause further trauma, and/or desensitize a young person to violent aspects and their consequences.
• It’s important to process whatever news they are receiving. Young people may believe that “nothing like that” would ever happen here. Such ideas should be explored in a supportive way that also gently reminds them that certain kinds of tragedies can touch any of us.
• Conversely, a young person may feel extremely vulnerable upon hearing about these events because they occurred so close to home. These children should be encouraged to express their fears; then gently remind them that their feelings are a normal response to an abnormal event.
• Encourage your children to talk with you about confusing feelings, worries and daydreams, by listening carefully. Be available and give them extra time and attention during the next few days and weeks.
• Remain aware of your own reactions to your child’s fears and anxiety as well as your own reactions to these events. It is OK to express your emotions to your children, “I am feeling sad about what happened.” However, if you are feeling overwhelmed with emotion, it is important to take care of yourself and seek support from other members of your family, your faith community and your friends.

If you feel your child needs support or you need additional information on how to provide support for your child at home, please feel free to contact your child’s counselor or school psychologist.

The Howard County Public School System Board of Education, school staff and I are keeping the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic event in our thoughts.

Sincerely,

Renee A. Foose, Ed. D.