Guidance for Coachella Valley families on speaking with children about violence
Coachella Valley parents are among those nationwide now faced with explaining the tragedy of mass shootings to their children. There is support for adults, like parents and school employees, to help young individuals feel safer, by establishing a sense of security and engaging with them about their fears.
Palm Springs Unified School District's Superintendent Dr. Mike Swize sent a letter to the school community Wednesday morning, saying "all of us here in Palm Springs Unified grieve
with those who have lost a loved one."
"If you find that your child(ren) are in need of emotional support as they process this difficult and potentially traumatic news, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school site administrator or
our mental health department."
MORE: PSUSD reviews security plans, PSPD promises ‘close patrols’ in wake of mass shootings
MESSAGE FROM DR. GAEDT AND DR. GO:
Let us join together in our Coachella Valley community and find positive ways for parents to connect with each other by increasing hope, our sense of well-being, and mental health.
Our group is a platform and gift from us to you to help ease your worries, fears, and concerns and provide a feeling of safety at a community level. The group is donation-based. Group will be meeting on June 10, 2022, at 3:30 pm. Please click on the link to join.
Dr. Gaedt and Dr. Go are inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Community Group of Hope
Time: Jun 10, 2022, 03:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81264224881?pwd=UkIveG9jSzlRY25wakgwYlBscGFnZz09
Meeting ID: 812 6422 4881
Passcode: 971053
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+16699009128,,81264224881#,,,,971053# US (San Jose) +13462487799,,81264224881#,,,,971053# US (Houston)
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Meeting ID: 812 6422 4881
Passcode: 971053
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kBAITGqEJ
He also shared some resources for parents.
These tips will help you create awareness of the student's emotions and give you ways to reassure their safety and their ability to cope. The recommendations include:
- Reassure children they are safe
- Make time to talk
- Be developmentally appropriate
- Review safety procedures
- Observe emotional state
- Maintain a normal routine
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To read the full letter sent to the Palm Springs Unified School District community, see below.
