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Connecticut Shooting

Monday, December 17, 2012

Long Branch Superintendent Issues Statement in Wake of Newtown Shooting

Superintendent say district has emergency preparedness plans for each school

Long Branch School District Superintendent Michael Salvatore issued the following statement to parents today in the wake of last week's school shooting in Newtown, CT: Dear Long Branch Public School Family, During a season which many refer to as “the most wonderful time of the year”, our spirit is tested with unimaginable tragedy. As parents and educators we cannot make sense of the recent events in Connecticut, which makes it even more difficult to explain to our ever curious children. As a father and an educator, this has been an emotional weekend, which many of you would agree. When hugging our loved ones we may have held on a bit longer and squeezed a little harder, bringing to our attention what matters most. Above all, the wellbeing …

Momof4

10:42 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012

How about more security in the schools? Metal detectors would definitely help.   more ›

Friday, December 14, 2012

How to Talk With Children About Tragedy

Validate children's feelings and talk about safety.

Today's tragic school shooting in Newtown, Conn. has left many parents asking how to handle discussing events like this with children.  Kristina Silvestry, MA, Counselor and Director of Berkeley Heights, NJ-based Peace of Mind Counseling and Wellness Center, said it's very important that first and foremost children feel safe. "Find out what they've heard and then really validate their feelings," Silvestry said.  Silvestry advises against making dismissive statements such as "Everything's going to be fine." "You never want them to feel that they're wrong for feeling what they're feeling," she said. "You have to give them time and let them process it. Let them ask questions and parents can pull upon things like their faith or other coping …

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