Monday, May 6th
Mount Horeb Middle School
Dear Middle School Families,
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Dear Middle School Families,
It was incredible to have our students and staff back in the building. The overall energy was infectious. While there were challenging moments, there were also times when we saw many students smiling and enjoying their time back with classmates.
This morning Mrs. Goninen and I took the opportunity to speak with all students via our typical Monday morning live video announcements. The key messaging included: safety, avoiding causing additional harm, details of what we know are factual, how students can receive support, and more. Students then worked in their homerooms on a processing activity which allowed them to think about how they can support each other, what went well on Wednesday, and what they can do to avoid causing more harm to themselves or others. They were also given an opportunity to share words of encouragement.
Please see a recording of the message Mrs. Goninen and I shared with students below. The slides from that are attached as well.
Video Announcements (2024-05-06 08:08 GMT-5)
We want to make sure students have factual information. Just like all of us, there are still many things we are unsure about. We will continue to share accurate information with students as more information becomes available.
If your child needs any support at school, please do not hesitate to reach out to any member of our student services team. This link provides student services team members contact information as well as details about each member's primary roles and responsibilities.
Thank you again for your ongoing support as we all move through the coming days and weeks together. We are confident that our best days are ahead of us.
-Paul and Catie
Paul Christiansen, Principal
christiansenpaul@ounthorebschools.org
Catie Goninen, Assistant Principal
Social Support
As a parent or caregiver, you have a powerful opportunity to support your child. When children are impacted by a crisis, access to social supports, including time with supportive family, is a proven intervention to help them recover. Spending time with them to answer their questions and provide comfort and support is the first step.
Below is some guidance to help your child:
How Do I Keep the Conversation Age-Appropriate?
Younger children (Preschool/Early Elementary)
Need brief, simple information.
May need to repeat or use concrete examples.
Upper elementary and early middle school children
May ask more questions.
More likely to question their safety.
May have trouble separating fantasy from reality.
Upper middle and high school students
May have strong and varying opinions about causes of violence.
May share concrete ideas and suggestions for change.
How Can I Help My Child?
Acknowledge your own reactions.
Model self-care and healthy coping.
Maintain healthy sleeping, eating and active routines.
Connect with social support.
Limit media/social media exposure to these events (particularly graphic images)
Remember that children take their cues from adults.
Adult stresses and worries should not be on the shoulders of children.
How Do I Talk About This With My Child(ren)?
Make time to talk, but do not force it.
Look for signs they may want to talk.
Hovering/loitering
Typically, not when just getting home from school-in car, at dinner, doing calming activity (puzzle, drawing).
Let your child(ren)’s question be your guide.
What Should I Say?
Provide clear, direct facts but not graphic or frightening details.
Express empathy about these situations and validate feelings of child(ren).
Provide accurate reassurances about safety.
Validate and Encourage Continued Conversation
Listen
Validate emotions.
Take their concerns seriously (do not minimize).
MISSION: Our mission is to ensure high levels of academic and social/emotional learning for all Mt. Horeb Middle School students and staff.
VISION: The preparation and practices of our middle school reflect our commitment to successfully develop students’ skills for high school.
Mount Horeb Middle School
Email: christiansenpaul@mounthorebschools.org
Website: https://www.mounthorebschools.org/schools/middle/
Location: 900 East Garfield Street, Mount Horeb, WI, USA
Phone: 608.437.7306
Twitter: @christiansenpMH