News Brief
CCSSO Compiles Resources to Help Address the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting With Students and Parents
By Abby HexterOn behalf of the nation's state school chiefs, CCSSO extends its deepest condolences to the community of Newtown, Connecticut in the wake of the unspeakable tragedy that took the lives of 20 students and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary on Friday, December 14. Many trusted organizations have developed resources to help schools parents, and students make sense of Friday's shootings. We have compiled a list below for your reference. Please share these with appropriate networks, and please continue to inform CCSSO of additional resources as they become available.
NEA Health Information Network, School Crisis Guide
PBS Kids, Strategies for Talking and Listening
American Psychological Association, Helping Your Children Manage Stress in the Aftermath of a Shooting
National Association of School Psychologists, Talking to Children about Violence
The Child Mind Institute, Caring for Kids After a School Shooting [video]
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association, Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement, Guidelines for Responding to the Death of a Student or School Staff, Parent Tips for Connecticut School Shooting
The New York Times, Tips for Talking to Children about the Shooting
The U.S. Department of Education, Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center, Creating and Updating School Emergency Management Plans
Additionally, we encourage our members and Chiefline readers to actively support Newtown. One way to help is to donate to the United Way of Western Connecticut, which has created the "Sandy Hook School Support Fund," that will provide direct support services to the affected families and community. Please click here for more information.