preparing yourself for tomorrow…again
Given the breaking news about the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, TX, this newsletter will share resources for preparing yourself for tomorrow, ways to support our young people as they process, and things our schools can do to be responsive to crises.
I wasn’t in the headspace to send out resources after the shooting at the Tops market in Buffalo, NY on May 14. I did not expect that today I would revisit the resources that came to mind a couple of weeks ago. There’s deep rage and sorrow surrounding the deaths of these young people and their teacher. This culture we’ve established is not sustainable. It’s deadly. As Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg tweeted, “No thoughts without action. No prayers without action.”
PREPARING YOURSELF FOR TOMORROW…
The following resources were pulled from a joint newsletter between Lori Cohen and me following the 2021 January 6th insurrection. Much of the messaging is still relevant. Some may not apply. Take what you need. Leave the rest.
Because the name of the shooter has been identified as Salvador Ramos, there are already racist and xenophobic messages being shared widely. Consider the multiple ways this tragedy may impact you and your community members. Which of your community members might be targeted as backlash, in ways that white folks collectively are not targeted when a shooter is (presumed to be) white?
AFTER A SCHOOL SHOOTING RESOURCES FROM LIBERATED SEL
Liberated SEL, under the direction of Dena Simmons, shared the following resources following the 2021 shooting at Timberview High School in TX. Additionally, they shared the following resource to process the violence in Buffalo. Included are tips on processing violence with students through writing and organizing.
With heavy hearts, we offer you this resource as you process yesterday's shooting in #Timberview High School, TX. We invite you to do what your students and you need to heal.#collectiveliberation #LiberatEDSEL pic.twitter.com/fns7tbH4KV
— LiberatED (@LiberatED_SEL) October 7, 2021
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES (FOR THE SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM)
Considerations and Resources for Districts in times of Crisis (Dr. Mary Antón)
Resources for School Communities in Times of Crisis (Education Elements)
Resources for Educators, Families to Discuss Mass Shootings in the Community (San Diego County Office of Education)
Next Day Action Plan framework (Lora McManus)
It’s imperative that school leaders set aside time and space to create a next day plan for crises that touch their community, whether local or world-wide. We no longer live in a world where news travels slowly. We have never lived in a world where we can assume that violence won’t happen again. Create a proactive next day action plan, especially including trauma-informed input from your community’s counselor/social worker/mental health advisor.
I’m sending love to you all, with a heavy heart…
