Dear Fairport families,
We believe that students need tools, resources and safe environments to understand the implications of events that affect the conscience of our nation and beyond. These events span global and geopolitical conflict to unrest and discrimination across our nation, to the deep harms of violence, racism and hatred here in our own community.
We expect that the recent news of the death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis and the arrest of the police officers involved will create a range of reactions and emotions that need to be constructively processed with supportive and caring adults.
More than ever our students consume events via social media, without the opportunity to constructively process what shows up on their screens or in their newsfeeds. The incident in Memphis was caught on camera, and the video is being shared widely. We know our students are socially aware of what is occurring in the world around them, and we want them to be connected with supports as they grapple with these horrific events.
To that end, and in support of our students and their families, we have created a list of resources for caregivers if their student has questions or needs support in processing the incident in Memphis or other acts of harm, violence, and bigotry.
We encourage you to have conversations with your children about this specific incident and other things they are consuming on social media.
On Monday, all students in grade 6-12 will have access to spaces in their schools in which they can connect with a caring adult and where resources of support will be available.
If you have any questions or concerns before Monday, please reach out to your students’ principal via email.
These cover all ages (under 7, 8-12, teens)
Explaining the News to Our Kids | Common Sense Media
Helping children cope: Tips for talking about tragedy – Mayo Clinic
Resources for 6 – 12
Resources for K – 5
A variety of Sesame Street videos and articles on coping/processing traumatic situations with younger children.
Thank you for your partnership as we work together to support our families and students.
Yours,
Brett Provenzano
Superintendent of Schools