![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/zzz-legacy-graygrunge.c9df766b.jpg)
![Logo](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/adfe/thumb-9308f6aec761fa84071fd70182d8d8af.jpeg)
MHMS / The week of May 6th
May 5, 2024
Dear Middle School Families,
Traducción Disponible Si Ud. quiere traducir esta carta, por favor, elegir "Translate Newsletter," y luego elegir su lengua por el menú.
-----------------------
The past few days have allowed us to reflect on how amazing our students are and how supportive our entire community is. We cannot thank you enough. We hope your family has been able to spend time together this weekend. Spending time in the presence of family and friends, acknowledging feelings, and even hugs have been proven to be some of the most helpful supports for people, young and old, after a tragic event.
The days ahead will be a balance of creating a sense of normalcy and routine, while also offering support and comfort. We have worked with the Office of School Safety and other experts to put various supports in place as we look forward to welcoming our students back to school.
Here are a few pieces of information you may find helpful:
Our time schedule will be the normal Monday schedule. However, we recognize that instruction will need to look different. We will be working with students within their “zones of competency”. We want them to feel engaged, we want them to feel successful, but this will be a week of review or extension so students have the skills they need to feel successful.
We have designated locations, staffed with counseling personnel, for students to go to when needed.
We will have Support/therapy dogs in the building through the day.
There will be an increased law enforcement presence.
During the lunches we will have optional spaces for students to eat so they have options of where to go. Outdoor recess will be optional for all three grades as well.
The question of phones has come up. Please know that our phone policy already allows students to have phones with them throughout the day. We ask that they have them off and away to avoid distractions and bolster engagement, but rest assured they are welcome to keep their phones with them.
Catie Goninen and I will be launching an activity during our normal video announcements on Monday morning, but we do not anticipate any type of assembly.
As we shared on Thursday, we understand that students and families may be apprehensive about coming back to the building. Please continue to reassure students of their safety within our building. The plans we have in place worked and will continue to keep us safe. Part of our healing process will come with being back together in the building.
We will end where we began. With gratitude 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