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Cedar School Support to Students and Families 5/25/22

Posted on: May 25, 2022 - 3:37pm

We are so deeply saddened by the news from Uvalde, Texas. Due to the young age of our children and the differing feelings parents may have about discussing this traumatic event, we did not address this tragedy with our students directly, but we have provided staff with resources on how to address questions that arise in class or with individual children. It can be incredibly difficult to talk to your children about these events and to answer their questions, so we would like to share an article, Helping children cope: Tips for talking about tragedy, from the Mayo Clinic. You may also view information specific to the developmental ages and stages of our Cedar friends, should this come up in your household. 

After hearing about traumatic events, young children may

  • have difficulty focusing in school, 
  • act out with anger or aggression,
  • become anxious, fearful, or avoidant, 
  • have repeated or intrusive thoughts, 
  • have stomach aches and/or headaches, 
  • enact elements of the trauma in play, drawing, or speaking,
  • seem indifferent or continue on as typical.

This is all normal. You can help by

  • Following your child’s lead about what they seem to need (More hugs? Stopping talking? Revisiting their feelings later?).
  • Listen carefully to their thoughts and questions.
  • Answer questions honestly but with basic, simple, developmentally appropriate responses (limit details; it’s also okay to say you don’t know).
  • Talk about how we can help people in need (ex: send money/cards/pictures) to help children feel in control and focus on the good being done (how others are helping).
  • Affirm that, although we can’t control everything, we are very safe in our school and community and we have lots of people looking out for us and taking care of us (parents, teachers, police officers, etc).

In closing, we are sending our care to each child and family at Cedar. We are here for you if you need any further support.

Sincerely,

Garry Pelletier, Principal
Sarah Kelser, School Psychologist