This letter was sent by the Spring-Ford Area School District. in response to the shootings today in a Connecticut elementary school.

Dear Parents, 

At this tragic time, the Spring-Ford Area School District Staff and Administration would like to express our concern and sympathy to the families involved in the incidents today in Connecticut.  This is truly a trying time for all school families. Please be assured that all safety procedures that keep us safe on a daily basis are securely in place at all Spring-Ford Area School District Schools. 

We recognize that tragedies like this can affect our Spring-Ford Area School District families. We also know that the media will have a great deal of news coverage of the event, including photos and film footage.  Mental health professionals who work with children and youth caution us about how deeply bothered children can become from watching events that were terrorizing for victims. We encourage you to carefully monitor your children's viewing of the coverage.

Even if you are selective in what you share with your children about the situation, they may find out about the events or hear about the topic in another way.   If children do pose questions, the following tips may help guide your discussion. 

• Inform your child(ren) that all precautions are being taken to assure their safety, both in in your home and in our school.

• Be honest, but share information in a way that is age-appropriate with your child(ren).

• Allow them to express their feelings about the incident – these may include: fear, sadness, anxiety, anger, etc…

• Intense feelings and nightmares may occur. Reassure them that you are there for them, and that you will work through this together.

We will continue to remind our students that their school is a trusted and safe learning community.  All children are special to us and should feel secure physically and emotionally when in school.  All school counselors will be available to work with you if your child is particularly affected. 

Sincerely,

Dr. David Goodin

Superintendent