New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Conn. schools to deploy mental health support after Texas tragedy
Hours after a shooting that killed at least 19 children in Uvalde, Texas, schools are offering counseling and resources to help their students.
Several districts have also said that there will be increased police presences at their schools in the coming days.
Newtown Schools Superintendent Lorrie Rodrigue said in an email to staff and families that counseling teams will be prepared to offer assistance to students at each of the district’s seven schools, including at Newtown High School where survivors of the 2012 attack now attend school.
In addition, Rodrigue said she is working with Newtown police to provide “enhanced police presence” at district schools.
“In Newtown, this news resonates with our students, staff, and families in ways many communities might not understand — and hopefully never will,” Rodrigue said in the email.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the students, families, and staff in the Uvalde school community. We will also be reaching out to the administration there to offer our support at this difficult time.”
Dr. Andre Newfield, chair of psychiatry at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, said mass shootings like the one in Uvalde on Tuesday have enduring effects for survivors, who may develop posttraumatic stress disorder, but also on their communities.
“There’s no greater violence than perpetration of violence against children, and when there’s a mass murder of children all in one place in a sacred institution like a school, it doesn’t matter how big or small or strong or weak a community is, they’re going to have a major reckoning to deal with,” he said.
Newfield recommended that parents of young children in Connecticut think carefully about how, or whether, they discuss the shooting.
“For the younger kids who don’t have access to this firsthand, I don’t think you discuss this,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to instill fear in my children in going to school and having to think about, is there a shooter hiding around the corner? There’s just no way they could possibly process that.”
In Hartford, where a student was stabbed Tuesday, Superintendent Leslie Torres-Rodriguez said the school district will provide support for students, including conflict resolution, added safety measures and mental health services.
Since the pandemic began more than two years ago, Torres-Rodriguez said the isolation, loss, housing insecurity, violence and other issues have been weighing heavily on students’ minds.
“That is a lot for our young people to try and figure out on their own,” she said. “This is why we have added the additional supports.”
“We want to have these conversations that, for some, might be uncomfortable, but we know that it’s important for us to provide the spaces, the adults, the caring relationships for our students to feel safe, connected, valued and that there are supports in place for them,” Torres-Rodriguez added.
The Connecticut Education Association said it grieved with Uvalde Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, Connecticut understands all too well the grief, trauma, and suffering inflicted at Robb Elementary School in
Uvalde, Texas today, devastating and forever scarring students, families, and communities,” the association said in a statement.
“And we say enough is enough! We, as a nation, must stand together to stop the scourge of gun violence in our schools and communities and protect our students and educators in schools across the country,” the association added.
Brookfield Superintendent John Barile said he’s been in “continuous communication” with the police chief and that there will be an “enhanced” police presence at all of the schools on Wednesday. Each school’s crisis team is mobilized, he said.
“It is devastating to hear the news of another senseless attack on innocent school children and staff,” he said in a message to families.
He directed parents toward an article from the National Association of School Psychologists titled “Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers.” The article advises parents and teachers to reassure their children that they are safe, make time to talk, keep their explanations developmentally appropriate and to review safety procedures.
“Should your child need assistance, please reach out to our school counselors, social workers, school psychologists and/or administration,” Barile said. “Of course, you can always reach out to your child’s teacher directly as they can help to facilitate support for your child as well. In the coming days and weeks, I ask you to join me in keeping the victims and loved ones of those directly affected by this horrific tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.”
Bethel Public Schools’ counselors, psychologists and social workers will be available for any students who “need to process this event with someone at school,” Superintendent Christine Carver said in a message to families. Parents should contact their child’s principal or teacher, who will ensure the support is provided, she said.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the community in Uvalde, Texas,” Carver wrote. “Events such as this are heartbreaking and simply should not occur. We should expect that with more access to technology, our students, even younger ones, will likely hear of this horrific tragedy.”
She directed families to resources from the National Association of School Psychologists, Common Sense Media and Sesame Street for how to talk to children about violence.
“We have offered our assistance and support to our neighbors in Newtown,” Carver said. “I can not imagine the trauma that has resurfaced because of this horrific tragedy. We continue to review our All-Hazards School Security and Safety Plan and regularly practice drills with our staff and students so they understand what to do in serious situations such as this.”
Stratford Public Schools have activated their crisis team to provide support. Principals will also implement plans over the next few days to enhance school safety, according to Superintendent Uyi Osunde.
“Equally as important, they will implement supports to ensure our schools are positioned to respond to the emotional needs of students and staff,” Osunde said in a statement.
Stratford Police officers will be at all of the public schools in town.
“As you hug your family tight this evening, I encourage you to continue to have conversations about being safe as individuals, and with others,” Osunde said.
In Meriden, police officers will be visiting all Meriden Public elementary schools Wednesday. Counseling staff will also be available to support students, according to Superintendent Mark Benigni.
Westport Public Schools said there will be a police presence at all of its schools tomorrow.
“Our schools are not at risk, yet this collaboration and support with our local police department is reassuring for many in our community,” said Superintendent Thomas Scarice. “We will continue to partner with our police department to maintain the highest of safety standards in our drills and protocols.”