Dear Riverside Community,
Once again, our country is mourning the loss of innocent lives that were taken in the senseless mass school shooting in Florida. As our nation mourns this tragedy, our students and their families look to RUSD to help them feel safe in our schools.
RUSD has school safety as a top priority and this tragedy highlights the critical importance of ensuring that our schools remain safe places for our students and staff. In the aftermath of this traumatic event, the National Association of School Psychologists provides recommendations on effective ways to talk with students:
• Create a sense of safety by returning to normal, predictable routines as soon as possible
• Listen to their concerns and feelings
• Suggest they limit their use of media to lower their stress and to maintain balance and perspective, and
• Realize that sleep difficulties are common and can lead to fatigue and poor participation.
Below, please click to find several tips for parents and educators on how to assist students in responding to violence and tragedy.
Please use these resources to reassure your children who may be disturbed by this event, and let them know they can talk to counselors at school if they feel the need.
Talking to Children About Violence
Safe Schools Planning by the California Department of Education
National PTA School Safety resources