Warren Consolidated Schools issued the following announcement on June 6.
Dear WCS Community,
I recently had the opportunity to speak with some mental health professionals about how the current protests and rioting affect our children and their view of the world. The group all felt that this kind of civil unrest can be very difficult for children to understand, especially because of how it is portrayed on television and the internet.
To provide some support for parents, I have included some things to consider when talking with your children about what they see in the media.
1. Talk about it. Kids notice and start categorizing things at a very young age, and that includes people too. Ask questions about what they are seeing and hearing on television.
2. Talk about feelings and about what they see and hear, including your own feelings. It is okay to tell them you do not have answers to many of their questions. Be open to learning the answers together.
3. Navigate your child’s curiosity. Teach your children how to be respectfully curious. Ask them, “What makes you think that?” Ask clarifying questions or to explain further.
These are extraordinarily difficult times and supporting our children is our top priority.
On a positive note, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced this week that our region of the state has moved to phase 4 of her MI-SAFE START re-opening plan, allowing us to resume sports conditioning, marching band, and nutrition services later this summer. Further details will be distributed through the directors and coaches very soon. To fully support this re-opening, the WCS Board of Education recently passed a new policy that addresses the COVID-19 pandemic, including a set of guidelines for staff and volunteers to follow when working with students.
Finally, if you have any questions about next week’s materials swap at each of our schools, please contact your child’s principal, and continue to be safe and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Robert D. Livernois, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Original source can be found here.
Source: Warren Consolidated Schools
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