Supporting Students in the Wake of Violence
May 25, 2022
Dear Charles Wright community,
As you are likely aware, there was a tragic and deadly shooting yesterday, May 24, at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. I already have so much sadness and grief in my heart this week following the horrific shootings at the grocery store in Buffalo, NY and again today, we are reeling from the news of yet another shooting in a school. I reach out to you in sadness, with overwhelming grief in my heart, and frankly – with anger and resentment. The loss of lives is heartbreaking. These continued acts of violence in common and everyday spaces and places that should be safe leave me angry and resentful. Angry and resentful to mourn more lost lives, quell realistic fears around simple acts like going to school or work or buying groceries in a local market, and to repeatedly have to process and somehow reconcile the senselessness of violent acts in an increasingly violent world where our loved ones and children are being murdered.
Our hearts are with all of the families affected by these tragedies, and my heart is with the impacted communities as they respond and grieve these terrible acts and loss.
Events like these bring up a broad range of emotions for everyone in our community. Our Black colleagues, friends, and loved ones are all frightened to go to the grocery store. Children and parents are frightened and questioning whether they are safe at school. Each of us are processing these events in different and real ways. We are committed to supporting every member of our community as they process what has occurred and look toward the future.
Faculty are prepared to respond to questions from students in developmentally-appropriate ways. This includes following the recommendations from the National Association of School Psychologists, that we wanted to share with you as well, as you prepare to respond to questions from the children in your lives:
Reassure children that they are safe. Emphasize that schools are very safe. Validate their feelings. Explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy occurs. Let children talk about their feelings, help put them into perspective, and assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately.
Make time to talk. Let their questions be your guide as to how much information to provide. Be patient; children and youth do not always talk about their feelings readily. Watch for clues that they may want to talk, such as hovering around while you do the dishes or yard work. Some children prefer writing, playing music, or doing an art project as an outlet. Young children may need concrete activities (such as drawing, looking at picture books, or imaginative play) to help them identify and express their feelings.
Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate.
- Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that their school and homes are safe and that adults are there to protect them. Give simple examples of school safety like reminding children about exterior doors being locked, child monitoring efforts on the playground, and emergency drills practiced during the school day.
- Upper elementary and early middle school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what is being done at their school. They may need assistance separating reality from fantasy. Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to provide safe schools.
- Upper middle school and high school students will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence in schools and society. They will share concrete suggestions about how to make school safer and how to prevent tragedies in society. Emphasize the role that students have in maintaining safe schools by following school safety guidelines (e.g. not providing building access to strangers, reporting strangers on campus, reporting threats to the school safety made by students or community members, etc.), communicating any personal safety concerns to school administrators, and accessing support for emotional needs.
CWA’s advisors and homeroom teachers are prepared to make space for students to ask questions, and the student support team is also available to all students, including Division Directors, Learning Specialists, the Director of Student Life, Director of DEIB, and the Director of Counseling and Wellness.
- All doors are locked on our campus at all times.
- Doors are never propped open and left unattended.
- All adults wear identification so we know they belong at school.
- All guests check-in at the front desk.
While we cannot alleviate the pain of these recent tragic events, we remain dedicated to ensuring children are safe and supported here. We are also deeply committed to holding space for conversations, sharing of strong emotions, support, and care. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with concerns, questions, or additional need for support. We are here to partner with and support every member of our community as they process these events.
In partnership,
Susan Rice P’36
Head of School