Dear Parents and Guardians,
As tragedy continues to unfold in the Middle East, I am sure you are following the news of the countless lives lost and ongoing violence following terrorist attacks that began last weekend in Israel. We know that the community roots you planted here within the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District remain strong, and we wanted to share with you the message and resources that I shared with all of our district employees (See Below).
Since the beginning of the school year, we have been communicating with our employees about how they can create a compassionate environment for our students. Yesterday, I shared vetted resources to understand the decades-old conflict between Israel and Palestine. Our learning community also continues to come together to simply sit, share, listen, learn and support.
Within this regional school district, we are one "learning community" that values the diversity of our community-at-large. We denounce terrorism and violence and have no tolerance for hate in any form. We grieve the immense loss of civilian lives in Israel and Palestine; and we will stand by our students and community members with love, support and strength. I have deep appreciation for your continued partnership and support of our learning community, and I hope that you and your famiy members - both near and far - stay safe and well.
Sincerely Yours,
Paul S. Haughey, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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Via Email on Monday, October 16, 2023.
Good Afternoon,
As violent conflicts continue in the Middle East following weekend attacks in Israel and airstrikes in Gaza, wide-reaching impacts are being felt by students and families across the United States.
Some education leaders may feel moved to share messages with students, families and employees about these current events. As aptly stated on the San Diego County Office of Education's Resources for Educators, Families to Discuss the Events in Israel and Gaza With Students web page, "Emotional and economic impacts can be felt at home by all, especially our young people and those with connections to the region. As educators, we need to make sure we provide a safe space for all members of our community to learn about current events and process their emotions."
Below are a number of resources that may be helpful in planning such communications:
- How to Talk About the Israel-Hamas War: Resources for Educators (Education Week)
- Talking to Children About War (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
- Helping Students in Troubling Times (American School Counselor Association)
- Responsible Media Coverage of Crisis Events Impacting Children and Youth (National Association of School Psychologists)
- Handle with Care: Supporting Young People During Crises (Learning for Justice)
Please know that the leadership team and I are here to help you and our district navigate these unsettling times. Please reach out to us if you need additional support.
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Sincerely Yours,
Paul S. Haughey, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District