Communicator
December 2012, Volume 36, Issue 4

In the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, NAESP stands ready to help principals restore a sense of security in their buildings. These resources can help you address your school community in this emotionally-charged time, reinforcing safety and establishing a sense of normalcy.

Best Information For Parents: “Helping Children Cope With Tragedy” Report to Parents.

This ready-to-print, one-page article offers advice for families helping children cope with tragedy:

“Do something for others. One way to help children cope in the aftermath of a disaster is to find a way, through your community, to help those affected. Schools, churches, temples, synagogues, and organizations like the Red Cross are great places to go to find out how you and your children can help.”

Best Information for Staff: “Coping With Loss” Principal.

This magazine article offers advice for schools in supporting students and families during difficult times:

“Schools are an excellent site for the delivery of supportive services to grieving children and families. School personnel might be the only professionals in a position to offer timely advice on funeral attendance, or recommendations on how to help children understand death and cope with difficult feelings such as guilt. School staff can help parents find supports within the community.”

Best Information for Principals: “A Death in the Family” Principal.

This article is a reflection on how to deal with grief and loss as a school principal:

“I can’t recall ever feeling more proud of the work I do or the people with whom I do it. The saddest of circumstances brought us to the rarest of opportunities, and this faculty did not disappoint.”

Other Web Resources:

• Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center:
  • Features plenty of resources for educators and families to help children and youth recover from traumatic events.
  • Offers specific advice about the Connecticut school shooting.
  • Provides strategies for creating and updating school emergency management plans.
• National Center For School Crisis & Bereavement:
  • Practical guidlines for schools dealing with crises.
  • Pyschological first aid.
  • Parent guide for supporting a grieving child.
• National Association of School Psychologists:
  • How to provide care for caregivers.
• National Education Association’s Health Information Network:
  • School Crisis Guide.
  • Advice on how parents and adults can help.
  • Suggestions how educators can help.
• SchoolMentalHealth.org
  • Crisis management information for parents and caregivers.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
  • Tips for talking with and helping children and youth cope.

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Copyright © 2012. National Association of Elementary School Principals. No part of the articles in NAESP magazines, newsletters, or website may be reproduced in any medium without the permission of the National Association of Elementary School Principals. For more information, view NAESP's reprint policy.