April 19, 2007
Dear Parents,
Your children’s safety is SJA’s primary responsibility! Although no device or plan can guarantee absolute safety, I am proud of the systematic and thoughtful Emergency Response Plan that SJA has devised regarding unplanned events (i.e. storms to intruders). Despite the tragic events at Virginia Tech and other school-associated violence, schools are statistically, consistently very safe places. The probability of violence in a school is one in one million, according to the National Association of School Psychologists.
The Emergency Management Team strives to faithfully
achieve a balance between building security and providing students, teachers,
and parents with a healthy, nurturing, normal school environment. We respect and
trust one another while students feel connected, understand expectations, and
receive the behavioral and mental health support that they need to face the
challenges of life in the 21st Century. We believe that devising and
periodically reviewing a dynamic plan at school (and in our homes) is a
responsible response and provides an informed sense of reassurance and comfort.
May I respectfully suggest that you additionally protect your students in age
appropriate ways from excessive exposure to media coverage of recent events. SJA
believes that the home and family should be the primary source for information
of this nature. The following resources may provide assistance:
www.aap.org/featured/resourcepage.htm
.- a collection of resources to help parents, teachers, students,
schools, and pediatricians cope with the aftermath of this terrible event from
the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP)
www.tlcinst.org click on "For Parents" for tips and developmental expectations related to trauma
www.childadvocate.net
click on “Disaster and Trauma Information” the click on "Booklet for
parents and professionals on Helping Children Cope After a Disaster"
www.apa.org/practice/ptguidelines.html more tips and age-related reactions that may be seen by parents in their children
www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/ look for the articles on trauma response for adults and children
Your constructive input is welcomed!
God’s Peace
Elizabeth Legenhausen, Ed.D.
Head