Letter From Principal Phelan
May 24, 2022
Dear Lowell School Families,
We are all shocked and saddened by the tragic events at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, and we acknowledge the bravery of staff, parents and community partners who reacted immediately to protect the children. Although events like this are infrequent, they continue to happen. We recognize their impact on each of us—our children, staff, families, and friends. Individuals react to situations like this in various ways. We may feel sadness, grief, helplessness, anxiety and anger. Whichever emotion you are feeling is the correct one for you. Our social-emotional team has prepared some tips to help you support your children and family at this time:
Recognize that children may become concerned something terrible could happen to themselves or their family or friends. Explain that safety measures are in place and reassure them that you and other adults will care for them.
Some children may not dwell on the events. Try to avoid having detailed adult conversations about the tragedy in front of children. Young children may not be able to express themselves verbally. Pay attention to changes in behavior or social interactions.
Limit exposure to media coverage. Images of a disaster or crisis can become overwhelming, especially if watched repetitively. Young children may not be able to distinguish between images on television and their own reality. Older children may choose to watch the news or navigate social media on their own, seeking information.
Maintain regular family routines as much as possible. Routine family activities, classes and friends can help children feel more secure.
Be aware of your own needs. Don’t ignore your feelings of anxiety, grief and anger. Talking to friends, family members, faith leaders and mental health counselors can help. Let your children know you are sad. You will be better able to support them if you can constructively express your own emotions.
Our top priority is the safety and well-being of each of our students—your children. We want you to know help is available through our schools. If you are concerned about your child or feel they need additional support and would like to speak with a guidance counselor, social worker, or school psychologist, please contact Mrs. Phelan or Mr. Chen by email. We will make sure your child has a check-in with someone on our SEL team.
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “Sorrow makes us all children again. Destroys all differences. The wisest know nothing.” Like me, I am sure that you are struggling to make sense of the tragedy in Uvalde. My only advice is to keep hugging your children, tell them you love them, and let them know that you and the important people in their lives are there to keep them safe.
I am sharing a link to an excellent document entitled, “A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope.” This document, prepared by the National Association of School Psychologists, provides parents and school personnel with ideas and age-appropriate responses to today's events. http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/terror_general.aspx
Sincerely,
Stacy