Statement on Newtown, CT Elementary School Shooting
Contact: [email protected]
The staff and Board of the DC Public Charter School Board are saddened by the tragic incident at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, and send our sincerest condolences to the students, teachers, families and citizens affected by this tragedy.
To our local charter community of students, teachers, school leaders and families, we know you are also deeply moved, and are taking all the necessary steps to make sure that every person feels safe and supported. To that end, PCSB is passing along some resources as a starting point for you to use as you wish, as you write letters to parents and families, and connect with your school community in other ways in the wake of current events
National Association of School Psychologists
Tips for School Administrators for Reinforcing School Safety
Coping with Crisis: Tips for Parents and Educators
Coping with Crisis: Helping Children with Special Needs
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
By age group, tips on how to talk to children about tragedy
Public Safety Emergency Preparedness Resources
As for public safety preparedness, the city’s Emergency and Safety Alliance has resources on emergency response and planning, as does the National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention. Additionally, the city has long made available Active Shooter training so that schools can be prepared when a public safety crisis occurs. PCSB will be working with the city to ensure that opportunities are made available to charter schools in the coming months to take advantage of this training so that in the event that a major emergency strikes, charter schools can be as well-prepared as possible.
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