With the event in Texas, we are reminded of how connected the world is now and how impactful the actions of an individual can cause such devastation, anxiety, and unrest. Locally, the threats made to our schools are an alarm, jolting us from our reality of life on the Cape and causing our minds to wander. Abruptly, tranquility is replaced with concern, bewilderment, and terror. This is true for you and me. This is true for our children.
Making sense of our world is a big part of what we are tasked with doing as educators. As we instill values and encourage children to become the most that they can be, we recognize that in order to do so, students must feel safe. Typically, when we think about safety it is around security and basic needs. Last week, Dr. Carpenter highlighted many of the actions we take to meet those needs. Equally important, our students need to know that they are essential to our school community. Each child holds value, should be respected and is expected to contribute to our school.
In response to last week, and in recognition of where our children are at, we will be providing additional support to our students. Over the next couple of weeks, our counseling department will be meeting with each homeroom with the intent to encourage students and help them recognize that they each hold a part in the solution.
The topics will include:
“See something, say something”
“Passivity vs. Activity”
How to access additional support and information.
Answer questions/concerns
I hope the Memorial Day Weekend offers reflection and remembrance and time to reconnect with family and friends. Moreover, I look forward to Tuesday morning and the return to routine, a reassurance of safety, and student learning.
In Partnership,
Adam O'Shea
Principal
