BCPS Offers Help For Families Processing Capitol Riots

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — After four people were killed and dozens were arrested at a mob Wednesday in Washington, D.C., leaders from Baltimore County Public Schools encouraged both families and educators be open to discussing the matter with students.

Superintendent Darryl Williams and Board Chair Makeda Scott said people should "make space for students to talk about and process the mob attack on the Capitol," in a letter issued Thursday.

Here is the letter:

Dear Team BCPS students, families, and staff:

We reach out to you to address yesterday’s historic riots at the U.S. Capitol. Without a doubt, a core mission of our schools is preparing students for success as thoughtful citizens of our democracy. Many of our students have now watched a group of Americans violently attempt to stop Congress from certifying the election of our next President, despite the will of the nation’s voters.

Protecting our democracy is indeed an obligation of all citizens. We denounce violence in the strongest terms, while acknowledging the many valid options for protest.

We encourage our educators and families to make space for students to talk about and process the mob attack on the Capitol, as well as many related issues including domestic terrorism, race and equity. Last evening, we shared some resources (attached) with teachers and staff and are including those along with additional resources below for schools and families.

See a list of resources recommended by Baltimore County Public Schools.

FOR EVERYONE
Self Care Resources

• Breathe for Change: Free Live Events and Resources for Educators
• Breathe For Change: Free On Demand Meditations and Yoga for Educators
• Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event: Taking Care of Your Emotional Health
• Guided Meditations and Scripts from UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
• Progress Muscle Relaxation - a stress reduction technique
• Self-Compassion Guided Meditations and Exercises from Dr. Kristen Neff • Square Breathing for Stress Reduction
• The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley

FOR TEACHERS
Curricular Resources & Lesson Plans

• Contentious Elections and the Peaceful Transition of Power Lessons and Resources
• HS SS teachers using a lesson from PBS around Fact or Fiction to help students sort through misinformation
• When white supremacists overthrew a government: The hidden history of a North Carolina Coup (Atlantic Article)
• 12 Things Equity-Focused Teachers Can Say - shares how teachers can make sure their classroom dialogue is mindful of students' diverse needs and builds equitable learning environments

• Video of this content
• Webinar of this content

Navigating Conversations & Addressing Difficult Topics

• When Bad Things Happen
• When Bad Things Are Happening
• Difficult Dialogues
• Restorative Community Practices Guide 
• Resources for Teachers on the Days After the Attack on the US Capitol 
• Teaching in the Wake of Violence
• How to Support Students With Trauma

FOR LEADERS
Leadership, Teams, & Culture

• Why Psychological Safety is More Important Than Ever for a Staff Navigating a Crisis

Providing Support

• 5 Ways to Help Students in Trauma
• 7 Ways to Calm a Young Brain in Trauma
• Helping Your Students Cope With a Violent World

FOR STUDENTS
Activities to Process Emotions

• Teaching Tolerance: Student Tasks - Do Something ( 30 tasks based on grade bands that teachers can have students do to process trauma, violence, and social justice)

• K-2 - Collage of Concerns  (student rubric) 
• 6-12- Writing Letters for Change  (student planning guide, rubric )

• Student Processing Guide (Processing the Events in Washington, DC)

For families and communities

• How to Talk to Kids About Difficult Subjects
• An Activity Book for African American Families: Helping Children Cope with Crisis 

Resources: Resources for School Communities in Times of Crisis