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Schools offer counseling advice after Connecticut shooting
The news of the shooting spread quickly around local schools including Grand Island Public. Superintendent Doctor Robert Winter expressed his sympathy to the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary.
He says while we can't always prevent tragedies, we can take every precaution to protect our children. He says all schools are having security measures in places. "Our staff are very good about, they're very alert, mindful, watchful, whatever term you want to use when kids are out on the playgrounds, when they're moving between buildings," said Dr. Winter. He says it's also important to be honest with your child if they ask about Friday's tragedy. There's no easy way to talk to your children about this tragic event. Hastings Superintendent Craig Kautz has provided a helpful blue print for parents. Kautz wrote on the school's website: "Today's sad news regarding events in Connecticut may raise questions of concern from our children. Young children need to feel that the world is a secure and predictable place. Many typical childhood fears resurface or become heightened when they hear about tragic events. The following suggestions may be helpful for parents and guardians to use when talking with children about their fears. Model a positive attitude. Children take their cues from adults. While acknowledging trauma, focus on helping your child develop compassion, strength, and a sense that they have control over life's challenges." You can see all of the suggestions on the Hastings public schools website. Kautz added that counselors will be available to assist any children needing to talk about Friday's events. Many students are seeing their first images of the tragedy Friday night. And some may be scared to go back to school on Monday. Adams Central High School Counselor Becky Fisher says it's important to talk about it over the weekend. "They are going to be scared and they're going to have questions, but I think when parents and teachers and staff talk to the kids about it and alleviate some of those fears I think it's important that the families talk about what happened. What they can do to keep safe and remain safe and just keep their lines of communication open between the parents and the kids. I think that's important, too, to alleviate some of those fears," said Fisher. Fisher says counselors will be available at Adams Central to help students next week and to answer any questions they might have. |
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