Dear School District 123 School Community:
Our worldwide community is often impacted by unexpected challenges that can be hard to explain. In School District 123 we always strived to support each other and our children during times of confusion and struggle.
It is important to acknowledge that conflicts and war, such as the present situation in the Middle East, impact individuals close to us, as well as our children. These complex, global conflicts cause worry, stress, and hardship for many of our students, families, and staff. Some of whom have friends and loved ones living in impacted areas directly touched by conflict. In District 123 we will always stand in support of our community, especially with those who have connections to challenging situations throughout the world and are experiencing pain.
It is critical that we come together as a caring community during times of crisis and prioritize our emotional well-being and that of our children. It is very natural for children to have questions and concerns about these issues, and it's essential to support them as they process these emotions. Open communication, understanding, and providing a sense of security can go a long way in helping children navigate challenging realities that exist in our world. As a result, we wanted to share a few resources that might offer helpful guidance.
- The National Association of School Psychologists has a downloadable flyer called Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators, strategies for each grade level, and suggested talking points.
- From Common Sense Media, an article called How do I talk to my kids about violence in the news? reminds us to get a sense of what children know before launching into an explanation, by using open-ended questions, like “What did you hear?” or “What do you know?” and “What do you think about it?”
- UNICEF offers How to talk to your children about conflict and war: 8 tips to support and comfort your children. One of the tips is to keep the conversation calm and age-appropriate and to focus on the people who are helping.
- For older students, Facing History offers lesson plans on Fostering Civil Discourse: How Do We Talk About Issues That Matter? to help students engage in reflective conversations.
As a school district, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for each and every one of our students, families, and staff members. In times like these, we welcome conversations that emphasize the fundamental values of respect and care for each other. If you are aware of anyone who needs extra support, please reach out to our school district, your school principal, counselor, or trusted adult at any of our schools. Together, we will continue to support and lift each other up.
Sincerely,
Paul J. Enderle, Superintendent