MBS Memo
May 25, 2022
Ulvade Tragedy
May 25, 2022
Mt. Baldy School Families,
Yesterday’’s school shooting that killed 14 students and one teacher at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, is the latest in horrifying violence in our country. This senseless loss of life is difficult to process. And yet, our children are looking to adults for support and reassurance.
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) tips for parents and educators to talk with children about violence suggests adults:
Reassure children they are safe and review safety procedures
Create a sense of safety by returning to normal, predictable routines as soon as possible
Make time to talk and listen to the concerns and feelings of children
Limit the use of media consumption of these events to lower their stress and to maintain balance and perspective
Acknowledge that sleep difficulties are common and can lead to fatigue and poor participation
The American Psychological Association (APA) has tips for managing your own distress following a mass shooting including:
Reaching out for support from other adults (friend or professional)
Honoring your feelings and taking time for yourself, especially if you’re experiencing personal loss or grief
Limiting your amount of media coverage of these events
Find ways to help in your community
Call the National Parent Helpline at 1-855-4A PARENT (1-855-427-2736) to get emotional support from a trained Advocate. They are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The APA recommends honesty with children – acknowledging that bad things do happen, but reassuring them with the information that many people are working to keep them safe.
Helping Children Cope With Terrorism from NASP offers tips for families and educators. Translations of this handout are available in Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese. There is also a companion infographic.
Common Sense Media has suggestions on how to talk to kids about school shootings in a way that’s age appropriate and helps them feel safe again.
Very Well Family provides open-ended questions to discuss school shootings with your child.
Mt. Baldy School is committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for all students and staff. We have a safety plan in place and provide social and emotional supports.
We hope these resources will help you talk to your children if the subject of school gun violence comes up. Please reach out to us if you are in need of additional support.
In the meantime, our hearts are with the families, students, staff, and community of Uvalde, Texas.
Sincerely,
Nancy Sirski
Care Solace
Mt. Baldy School has partnered with Care Solace to support our community’s mental health.
Our school's students, staff members and their families can use Care Solace to quickly find verified mental health, behavioral health, and substance use treatment options matched to their needs regardless of circumstances or insurance coverage.
Care Solace’s team is available 24/7 and can support you in any language.
If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
● Call 888-515-0595 24/7
● Visit https://www.caresolace.com/site/baldyfamilies/ and either search on your own , OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
● Email weserve@caresolace.org with the following information:
● Your name and contact information (cell phone number)
● Your preferred language
● A good time for Care Solace to contact you
Care Solace will assign a personal Care Concierge to support you through the process of finding mental health care. Your Care Concierge will identify available providers who accept your insurance; private, Medi-Cal, sliding scale or cost-free options. They will help you book an appointment and check in afterward to see if you like the provider or need additional support.
COVID Tests
Mark Your Calendar
May 30 Memorial Day--No School
June 3 2022-23 Registration Packets Due
June 3 Family Day Minimum Day
June 6-8 Junior High Trip to Catalina
June 16 School Board Meeting 6:00
June 22 8th Grade Commencement
June 23 Last Day of School, Report Cards Home
Suicide Prevention Parent Information
An analogy that comes to mind is CPR training--we hope we never have to use it, but feel better in knowing that we have some basic skills should we ever need them -- and the more people who are trained, the better chances that there will be someone who can help if an event occurs.
Please click on the document below to learn about a free training for parent/guardians. We encourage you to attend this free online training.
Please Sign Consent Form
Student/Parent Handbook and COVID-19 Amendment
Please review safe mask handling with your child or children. You may want to provide your child with a breakaway lanyard to assist with keeping track of masks while going inside and out, for those who choose to take their masks off outside.
Reminder: check your cell phones weekly and make sure your voice mail isn't full!
Mt. Baldy School
Email: info@mtbaldy.k12.ca.us
Website: mtbaldy.k12.ca.us
Location: 1 Mt Baldy Rd, Mount Baldy, CA, USA
Phone: 909-985-0991