Superintendent Offers Resources for Parents in Wake of Newtown Shooting

Weston Public Schools Superintendent Cheryl Maloney has already informed parents that Weston Public Schools have clear safety and security policies that will be reviewed in the light of the Newtown, Conn., shooting.

In a second email, Maloney encourages parents to "Please give your children a hug no matter how old they are," and she offers links to articles about helping children cope with tragedy.

The text of her message is below:

In light of today’s unthinkable tragedy, your family may be discussing these events over the weekend. The three websites below provide guidance and advice as to how to talk to children about tragedies involving other children, such as the victims in the Connecticut elementary school shootings.

The first link is to an article entitled, “Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting” from the American Psychological Association website. The National Association of School Psychologists have a variety of resources available on line including the two below: a list of tips for parents and teachers in helping students cope with a national tragedy and suggestions for helping special needs students cope with such tragedies.

All of these articles suggest it is important to stay close to your children and limit their television viewing of the news covering these events. If you have particular concerns about your child, please call their guidance counselor on Monday morning. We will be sure counselors are available to all students next week.

http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx

http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/terror_general.aspx

http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/specpop_general.aspx

Please give your children a hug no matter how old they are…