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MHMS - Thursday, May 30th
Brief Update and Fun Run Information
Dear Middle School Families,
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I wanted to update you to let you know that Assistant Principal Catie Goninen and I, along with the MHPD, were able to confirm that there is no safety concern regarding the graffiti I referred to in my email communication to you yesterday.
Thank you for continuing to help us remind children that all threatening or insensitive comments, written or verbal, exacerbate heightened feelings in the wake of May 1.
Secondly, as a friendly reminder, our Middle School Fun Run and the Senior Walk is tomorrow, Friday, May 31st. Please remind your child to wear their Fun Run shirt!
The Fun Run assembly and run is an exciting opportunity for our students to engage in physical activity, promote wellness, and build a sense of community. During our assembly we have the high school pep band playing for us, a variety of games, as well as prizes. During the run portion of the afternoon, students are welcome to run or walk at their own pace, enjoying the event alongside their peers. We will cap off the afternoon with our grade level tug of war championships.
Throughout the day there will be therapy dogs and local law enforcement officers joining us, adding to the festive atmosphere and providing additional support.
We understand that running may hold traumatic associations for some students in light of May 1. We want to assure you that we are sensitive to these feelings, and we respect each student's right to opt out of running if they wish to do so. I would imagine we will have more students walking this year and that is perfectly fine.
If your child prefers not to participate by running, please remind them that they will have the option to walk to ensure they still have a positive experience during the event.
As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.
Paul Christiansen, Principal
christiansenpaul@mounthorebschools.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