Da Vinci RISE Family,

I wanted to take a moment this morning to recognize the hurt, fear and frustration being felt across the nation as a result of the violence that happened this week  in Uvalde, Texas. For educators, parents, and students, school violence is something we all feel deeply. As you process, please check in with yourself, recognize how you are feeling affected by this, and don’t hesitate to reach out to colleagues and friends around you if you need support. This includes Naomi, Edith and myself, we are here to support you, even it is simply with a listening ear. I encourage you all to be aware of how students may be affected, as well. I encourage you to give a moment to students to process, to journal, or to check in. Our SSS team and partners are here and available for students who are feeling affected or who are showing signs of stress/anxiety. Please reassure students and each other that these events, while still too common, are rare, and that our school is safe.

Thank you team for your support of each other and our students. I join you in feelings of sadness and frustration, but am encouraged by the collective strength of our school community.

Below are some resources deployed by LACOE:

·     Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting
(The National Child Traumatic Stress Network – English/Spanish)

·     Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
(National Association of School Psychologists)

·     Helping Children Cope with Frightening News
(Child Mind Institute)

·     Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting
(American Counseling Association)

·     Trauma and Disaster Mental Health
(American Counseling Association)

·     Teaching in the Wake of Violence
(Facing History and Ourselves)

·     Supporting Employees in Coping with Community Violence
(Employee Assistance for Education –EASE)

In solidarity,
Erin Whalen
Executive Director/Principal