Madison Families,
As you are likely already aware, a tragic school shooting occurred in Uvalde, Texas, yesterday. Such senseless violence against innocent children is very difficult to process for both adults and students. Please know that the professionals at Madison Public Schools are here to support you and your children. As you begin the day, you may find that your child is grappling with complex emotions and fears. Please know that our professionals recommend limiting your child’s exposure to media while the initial news of this event unfolds. We also recommend the following resources that may help you to support your children in your home.
- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
- APA Resources for Coping with Mass Shootings, Understanding Gun Violence
- Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting
- Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth after the Recent Shooting
- Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
- Anxiety Over School Shootings
- Talking to children about terrorist attacks and school and community shootings in the news
Additionally, please know that the Madison Police Department will have an increased presence at our schools today to show their support and to offer an increased sense of safety. Nevertheless, remember that we are our safest when we work together to report any concerning behavior. If you see something, say something. If your concerns are urgent, call 911. Otherwise, you should contact the school or download the RSVP-3 Morris County app to report anonymously.
We will be starting school today with the intention to resume our normal routines while ensuring that all students are emotionally supported. If your child is experiencing difficulty, please feel free to share any relevant information with your child’s teacher, counselor, case manager, or principal.
Best wishes for a peaceful day. Together, we are Madison Strong.
Mark Schwarz
Superintendent
(Message sent to families on 5/25/2022; Posted to website on 5/28/2022)