Dear PUSD community,
The tragedy that took place at a Texas elementary school yesterday is devastating, and our hearts go out to the families, and the entire community, who are facing unimaginable heartbreak. As a parent and grandparent, I am incredibly sad to see another school community shaken by senseless gun violence. Once again, we are reminded of the need for change and the consequences suffered due to a lack of action.
As parents/caregivers, teachers, staff, and administrators, we share a difficult but vital role in helping students process any tragedy of this scale. Below are a few resources that you may find helpful in reinforcing a sense of safety as you talk with student(s) about this tragedy in an age-appropriate context:
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Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Educators (infographic) - National Association of School Psychologists
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Hablarles a los niños sobre violencia: consejos para padres y educadores (infographic) - National Association of School Psychologists
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Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers - National Association of School Psychologists
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Parent Guidelines for helping youth after a shooting - National Child Traumatic Stress Network
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Explaining the News to our Kids - Common Sense Media
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Talking with children about difficult things in the news (Fred Rogers Institute)
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Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
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Helping Children Cope with Frightening News (Child Mind Institute)
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Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting (American Counseling Association)
- 15 Tips for Talking with Children about Violence (Colorín Colorado)
- PUSD Wellness Resources
Please know that our team is here to support you - to listen and to help students and staff feel physically and emotionally safe.
We continually work to address safety as a top priority via multiple strategies that include promoting cultures of kindness and inclusion through daily practices, maintaining strong partnerships with the local public safety agencies including the Pleasanton Police Department, and annually updating comprehensive School Safety Plans.
Every member of our PUSD community plays an important role in maintaining public safety, and we encourage families to engage in these important conversations with their students.
Support is available for staff, students, and families throughout the Pleasanton community. If you are in need of support, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
David Haglund, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools