Response to Tragic Events in Connecticut

Hello Parents-

As I prepare to head back to school Monday, I do so with mixed emotions.  The tragic events that happened at Sandy Hook Elem. in Connecticut have been on my mind all weekend and I have spent a lot of time holding and hugging my children and thinking of my Resource Room students.  They are all precious to me and I can't imagine dealing with something so horrific.  Please know that your children are so important and special to me and at Quincy Elementary we take their safely and welfare very seriously.  

For those of you who are struggling with how to respond to questions from your children, our district has received resources from the Ottawa County Support Team (OAISD).  I recommend that you read these links carefully and review them so that you can filter through to find the appropriate response for the age of your children.

Please know that at Quincy we will be focused on keeping our school environment safe and focused on learning-and at the same time be prepared to respond sensitively to questions we receive.  We care deeply about your children and what we have been called to do as educators.

Please feel free to let me know if your child is struggling in any way with these recent events.  I know my 3rd grade son doesn't really seem to fully grasp what has happened.  I told him the very basics and kept it simple and assured him that he is loved and safe.  He hasn't had many questions or concerns this weekend, but I know every child responds to this type of thing differently.  Please don't hesitate to call or email if you feel I should be aware of your child's feelings or concerns.

Sincerely,

Sarah Beckham

RESOURCES

• Tips for Helping Children of all Ages:  Helping Children Cope-09

• Reality Check: How to Talk to Kids About the Newtown School Shooting
• Excellent resource:  Talking to Kid (or NOT) about the tragedy

• BOSTON GLOBE: How to talk to your kids about the shooting

• Helping Kids With Scary News

• MSN: Talking to Kids about the Shooting
• NPR:  Resources for families
• Larry Ferlazzo:  Links to Resources for Talking with Children
• NYT Video Supporting Children

READING STRATEGIES

Dear Parent or Guardian,

When you listen to your child read, what do you say when they struggle? Do you reply with, “sound it out?” Although stretching the sounds of each letter is a valid strategy, it is by no means the only one. I’ve included a reminder sheet of some of the other strategies we use at school for your student’s reference while reading at home.

I’d also like to caution you against immediately correcting mistakes. The goal is to get the students to monitor their own reading. When your child misreads a word, wait silently until the end of the sentence. Give them the chance to say, “Wait, that doesn’t make sense. I should reread.” If they do not self- correct, ask them if it made sense or, if they did substitute a word that made sense, to go back and reread. Often children can correctly identify the incorrect word. Do not tell them the word but suggest a strategy instead. As the year progresses, ask THEM to decide which strategy to try!" Yes, this will make your reading session longer but remember the Chinese proverb:

“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime”—Author unknown

Sincerely,

Sarah Beckham

PARENT MEETING @ ISD

FYI: