The principals of Hildreth Elementary School and the Bromfield School released statements this weekend to the school communities in response to the school shootings in Connecticut on Friday. According to reports, a gunman killed 20 students and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
Hildreth Elementary School Principal Linda Dwight wrote on Saturday evening:
Dear Parents,
These are sad times as we all wrestle with the tragedy in Connecticut. Senseless violence against children and adults brings pain which is deep and unsettling. As you decide as a family to either share the information or shield your children from the news, we would like to offer some helpful resources. The following links may help your family in the coming weeks. Out of respect for family choice, we do not plan to initiate the conversation with any students. But as you know, children share information with each other, so the teachers will be prepared to respond in helpful ways if necessary.
- The National Association of School Psychologists -- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
- American Psychological Association - Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting
- American Academy of Pediatrics - Resources to Help Parents, Children and Others Cope in the Aftermath of School Shootings
- The National Association of School Psychologists - A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - Children and Grief
- Child Mind Institute - Caring For Kids After A School Shooting
- http://crisisresponse.promoteprevent.org/#.UMvUd3jFJTg.email
Also, we will be reviewing our security plans to make sure we are doing all we can to provide safety measures on a daily basis and in cases of emergency. This work has been going on in earnest at Harvard Public Schools even before this tragedy. We are involved in grant work through several agencies which has us working together with other districts. Updated emergency plans were already shared with staff.
We hold dear the trust you give us by sending your children to school and under our care. May you find comfort this weekend in sharing time with your family. I know I will find extra joy in hugging my young sons.
With care,
Linda Dwight
Dwight spoke to the Press Monday about Hildreth Elementary School's safety preparations.
Bromfield Principal Jim O'Shea wrote Sunday afternoon:
Dear Bromfield Families,
It is with a heavy heart that I write to you in the wake of the terrible tragedy that took place in Newtown, Connecticut. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and all of those whose lives were touched by this act of senseless violence.
As we prepare to return to school tomorrow, I want to reassure you that the safety of our students is our greatest concern. Over the past few months we have been working with Chief Denmark of the Harvard Police Department and Chief Sicard of the Harvard Fire Department on updating our school security and our emergency response protocols. We will continue to work on updating and reviewing our procedures in light of this recent tragedy. As always, all entrances to The Bromfield School other than the front entrance, which is supervised by the Main Office, will be locked during the school day.
We will also be speaking with our faculty and staff to assist them in preparing to respond to questions and concerns that students may have regarding these horrific events. I have attached a number of links that you might find helpful and informative as you think about your ongoing discussion of these events with your children.
- The National Association of School Psychologists -- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
- American Psychological Association - Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting
- American Academy of Pediatrics - Resources to Help Parents, Children and Others Cope in the Aftermath of School Shootings
- The National Association of School Psychologists - A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - Children and Grief
- Child Mind Institute - Caring For Kids After A School Shooting
- http://crisisresponse.promoteprevent.org/#.UMvUd3jFJTg.email
The sad events of Friday also remind us of how precious our time with family and friends is. I know we will all take the opportunity to let the special people in our lives know how much they are loved.
Sincerely,
Jim O'Shea