To the Students, Staff, Families, and Communities of the SVSU:
I want to take a moment to acknowledge that this has been an especially challenging week for our country, with multiple incidents of violence and murder. Once again, we find ourselves asking why and how we keep ourselves and each other safe. I want to reassure our staff and families that personal safety is our top priority at Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union.
Unfortunately, we have seen too many of these incidents, and I understand that families may need support in talking with their students about school safety. If you have concerns or if you believe your child would benefit from speaking with a skilled professional, please contact your school’s counselor for support. In addition, we have included links to resources:
- Counseling Kids in Crisis
- Ways to Help your Child Through Crisis
- Talking to Children about Terrorist Attacks and School and Community Shootings in the News
- Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News
- Talking to Children About Violence
- Recovering Emotionally from Disaster
We live in a world where everything is recorded and shared. As a parent, I hope that our young people have not viewed videos of this week’s events, but I understand that children act based on curiosity. Please encourage your students to refrain from viewing these violent videos and offer to talk to them about their questions.
Please be aware that in accordance with the Presidential Proclamation, all state facilities will lower the US Flag until sunset on September 14. We have honored these requests in the past and will continue to follow the guidance of the Vermont Agency of Education. Going forward, I hope that as adults we can demonstrate to our students and our community that we can support the free exchange of ideas and reject the use of violence in any form to resolve our differences.
Respectfully,
Tim Payne
Superintendent, SVSU