Update 3:00 p.m. Monday:
The District posted this announcement on their website Monday afternoon:
We extend our sympathy to the families and community in Newtown, Connecticut for the tragic loss they have experienced. As with any incident that affects students, we share in their grief for the victims. Our thoughts are also focused on the safety of our own precious children who attend our schools.
The following links will provide resources which may help you address this event with your child. In addition, if your child has any difficulty processing the information he/she has heard, please reach out to your school counselor, social worker or administrator for assistance.
- Report to Parents: Helping Children Cope with Tragedy
- Public Broadcasting System: Talking with Kids About News
- Emotional Recovery After a Disaster
- http://www.nasponline.org/
School District 308 strives to provide your children with both a nurturing and safe environment in which to learn. Our schools have comprehensive School Emergency and Crisis Response Plans that have been approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. The plans are developed and regularly reviewed in cooperation with staff, local law enforcement agencies and fire departments. School district employees are involved in emergency training and drills in the school buildings under the guidance of the police and fire departments and district administration.
In light of the horrific event at Sandy Hook Elementary School and our own concerns in our school district, please know that schools remain one of the safest places for children and we take this responsibility very seriously. By working in partnership with families, first responders and other emergency personnel we will continue to insure the safety of our children.
Original story:
Oswego 308 schools are offering counseling services to all students in wake of the Newtown, Conn. school shooting last Friday.
“It’s very difficult to process for anyone, but especially children,” said Director of Communications Kristine Liptrot.
She said each school has different approaches depending on what level the students are, but all will have counselors and social workers available through this week.
Liptrot said if parents are worried about their student, they can call the school to arrange for a social worker or counselor to talk to their child. Students are also encouraged to seek out a trusted adult at the school if they would like to talk.
Many schools will be participating in a moment of silence for the Newtown victims.
All flags will be flying at half-mast until further notification from Governor Quinn's Office on behalf of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
My son goes to Thompson, and today, he comes home visibly upset that "terrorists" are going to strike all of 308 on Friday and he doesn't want to die. He does not want to go to school on Friday, and I'm inclined not to force him, if the school and the district doesn't do more to address the concerns of the students and parents. I don't know what that something is, but something has to be done at a school wide level to address the students directly.
I'm sure you've already done it, but it sounds like the best thing to do in a situation like you are describing is to reach out and access the services that the district is offering students like your son.
And I'm not even focusing entirely on the rumors originating at the high school level. In the wake of the news this weekend (not only the CT tragedy, but the thwarted school threats in at least two other states for the same day), my main fear is that, with the ridiculous "end of the world" stuff, it has emboldened some to act out in this fashion, especially when you add in how tough the holidays generally are for those who have mental/emotional issues centered around their feelings of isolation from society. To me, two incidents at shopping malls, two school threats, and one school tragedy all in the span of a week is enough to have me wary of what someone might be willing to try this Friday. And since our district has been in the news over the past week, specifically regarding threats tied to 12/21, I feel that extra anxiety that it might make an attractive target to someone.
My thought and prayers go out to all the families at Sandy Hook.