From the Desk of the Superintendent
Superintendent Deborah A. Flores, Ph.D
September 11, 2001
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Today, we have all been stricken by the national disaster that our country is experiencing. At each of our schools today, as always, we provided a calm and safe school environment for our children. Our teachers, administrators, and school psychologists were all available to children throughout the day. Individual support was provided as needed.
Below are suggestions for ways parents can help children in times of sorrow:
- talk with your child and provide simple and accurate information to questions;
- allow your child to tell his/her story about what happened;
- listen and talk with your child about his/her own feelings;
- repeat your child’s words that recognize fear, anxiety, and insecurity (e.g., "You are sorry because...," or "You are afraid that...");
- provide reassuring comments (e.g., "We are together...," or "We care about you...," or "We will take care of you...");
- give hugs or touch a shoulder to provide reassurance;
- spend extra time putting your young child to bed (e.g., read a story, leave a night light on if necessary).
Unless notified, school will remain in session as regularly scheduled. We will provide updates to the media.
Together, we will continue to work through this disaster. I know you join me in expressions of sympathy for this tragedy’s victims, their families, and for our nation.
Sincerely,
Deborah A. Flores, Ph.D.
Superintendent