Superintendent: 'School Vacation Provided a Beneficial Buffer'

With the horrific tragedy that occurred over April vacation, parents have been concerned about sending their kids back to school. Would resources be in place? Would teachers or administration acknowledge the events at the Boston Marathon, and if so, what will they say?

Superintendent Joe Sawyer sent a message to families with school-aged children who attend Shrewsbury schools.

"The events of the past week have reminded us of the tragedy that results when evil people harm the innocent, as well as the strength, courage, resilience, and kindness that good people demonstrate in response to a crisis," he wrote. "Like you, I grieve for the losses suffered by those families and communities whose loved ones were killed or maimed.

"I am relieved that, to my knowledge, no one from our community was directly harmed. I am grateful for the extraordinary, skillful efforts by first responders and medical personnel who saved the lives of many who were injured, and for the rapid investigation and strong tactical response by law enforcement that prevented more harm. I am proud of the selfless actions of ordinary citizens who rushed to help in the aftermath, who assisted stranded runners, and who showed the world the Boston region´s true character. I am certain that some of you reading this are among those I mention, and I thank you."

That the events happened during school vacation week provided a beneficial buffer, Sawyer added. It allowed parents to process the issues with children directly outside of a school setting.

"Please know that we will be ready to respond to any students who raise questions or who seem to be having any difficulties related to what occurred," wrote Sawyer. "Parents who are concerned about their child or whose family has been affected by the tragedies should contact the school so that we can help your child."

Information has been shared with Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, including tips for talking to kids about coping, as well as contact information.

"We all wish these awful events never happened," wrote Sawyer in his message. "May they strengthen our resolve to make our country, state, and community places where our citizens, especially our children, are safe and able to exercise the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that our forbears secured for us, and that every succeeding generation of Americans must work to preserve."

Information from Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services

The Boston Marathon tragedy impacted all of us. As, adults deal with this horrific situation with children, please keep in mind the following:

• Make every effort to avoid exposing children to the graphic images, which can be very frightening. Monitor television and computer use by your children.
• Children want to know that they are safe and parents/guardians can play an important role by talking about all of the ways police and others
  generally keep our world safe.
• Children do listen to our adult conversations and are impacted by our words. Be aware of this when you are talking to other adults either in-person or on the phone.
• Be thoughtful about what you say to your children. Our words and tone can be very comforting to children, but, if our words and tone are delivered with anger and freight, this will increase anxiety in your children.
• Be on the lookout for fears and anxiety in children --- for example
  difficulty in sleeping, excessive crying, etc. --- this can be a normal
  response to such an incident and hopefully this will fade in the coming days.

If parents have concerns about what to say to your children and/or want support on how to best talk to your children, Shrewsbury Youth & Family Services is available to assist.

Contact Jennifer Lencioni, senior clinical coordinator at jlencioni@townisp.com