Supporting Our Children and Ourselves in Difficult Times
Dear ISD Families,
In times of uncertainty or distress, our children look to us for reassurance, support, and guidance. We know that yesterday’s events may have raised questions or emotions for many students and families, and we want to offer our support as we navigate this together as a community.
How Parents Can Support Their Children at Home
Acknowledge and Normalize Feelings
Let your child know that feeling sad, confused, or even numb is okay. Encourage them to share their feelings, but don’t force conversations. Simply being present and available can be comforting.
Let your child know that feeling sad, confused, or even numb is okay. Encourage them to share their feelings, but don’t force conversations. Simply being present and available can be comforting.
Reaffirm Safety
Reassure your child that adults at home and school are working to keep them safe. Remind them that they are surrounded by people who care for them and who are there to help.
Reassure your child that adults at home and school are working to keep them safe. Remind them that they are surrounded by people who care for them and who are there to help.
Maintain Routines
Keeping a regular schedule for school, meals, and activities can provide a sense of stability and normalcy, which can be especially important during uncertain times.
Keeping a regular schedule for school, meals, and activities can provide a sense of stability and normalcy, which can be especially important during uncertain times.
Encourage Social Connection
Spending time with friends, engaging in hobbies, and being with family can help children feel supported and less isolated.
Spending time with friends, engaging in hobbies, and being with family can help children feel supported and less isolated.
Model Healthy Coping Strategies
Children look to adults for cues on how to react. Taking care of your own emotions, seeking support if needed, and modeling calm and resilience can provide reassurance to your child.
Children look to adults for cues on how to react. Taking care of your own emotions, seeking support if needed, and modeling calm and resilience can provide reassurance to your child.
Talking Points Regarding the Incident
We understand that discussing difficult events with children can be challenging. Below is some guidance on how to talk about yesterday’s incident in an age-appropriate and supportive way:
For Younger Elementary Children:
“One of ISD’s older students needed help from doctors, and they are now receiving care. The adults at school are here to keep everyone safe, and you don’t need to worry. If you have big feelings about this when you are at school, you can talk to a teacher or Ms. Lara.”
“One of ISD’s older students needed help from doctors, and they are now receiving care. The adults at school are here to keep everyone safe, and you don’t need to worry. If you have big feelings about this when you are at school, you can talk to a teacher or Ms. Lara.”
For Older Elementary Children:
“A secondary student needed medical care and is receiving treatment. They are being taken care of. It’s okay if you feel sad, confused, or have questions. If you want to talk about your feelings at school, your counselor, Ms. Paula, is available, and teachers are here to support you.”
“A secondary student needed medical care and is receiving treatment. They are being taken care of. It’s okay if you feel sad, confused, or have questions. If you want to talk about your feelings at school, your counselor, Ms. Paula, is available, and teachers are here to support you.”
For Middle School and High School Students:
“You may have heard that a secondary student required medical attention and is now receiving care. It’s understandable to have a range of emotions about this—concern, confusion, sadness, or even uncertainty. It’s important to know that support is available. If you need someone to talk to at school, the counselors, Ms. Sladjana, Ms. Maddie, Ms. Tracy, and Mr. Paul are all there for you, and your teachers are also available to listen. Taking care of yourself and supporting one another can help us all navigate difficult moments together.”
“You may have heard that a secondary student required medical attention and is now receiving care. It’s understandable to have a range of emotions about this—concern, confusion, sadness, or even uncertainty. It’s important to know that support is available. If you need someone to talk to at school, the counselors, Ms. Sladjana, Ms. Maddie, Ms. Tracy, and Mr. Paul are all there for you, and your teachers are also available to listen. Taking care of yourself and supporting one another can help us all navigate difficult moments together.”
When You Don’t Know What to Say:
“I know there’s a lot of concern about what happened, and it’s understandable to have questions. What’s most important right now is that we are supporting each other, and everyone has the help they need.”
“I know there’s a lot of concern about what happened, and it’s understandable to have questions. What’s most important right now is that we are supporting each other, and everyone has the help they need.”
If Your Child Asks for Details:
“All we know is that a student in secondary school was injured and while we don’t have all the details, what’s most important is that they are receiving the care they need, and our community is here to support one another.”
“All we know is that a student in secondary school was injured and while we don’t have all the details, what’s most important is that they are receiving the care they need, and our community is here to support one another.”
- ISD Comms
- ISD Secondary