Dear Colearn Parents,
In light of the heartbreaking events in a Texas public school, I want to take a moment to connect with all of you. Student wellness is a top priority at Colearn, as is partnering with you to support your student’s development. We are thankful to be able to offer a virtual learning environment where parents are deeply invested in their student’s learning, safety, and wellbeing. Even so, this news may reach your kids, and they may need help to process the information in order to feel safe. With that, I offer a few resources to navigate these rough waters:
How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings (helpful article)
Ask open-ended questions, and listen carefully.
Maintain routine and closeness, for a sense of stability.
Model empathy, compassion, and healthy expression of emotions.
If you are experiencing a crisis in your household, please call 911 or the 24-hour National Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Counseling Open Office Hours are always available for all Colearn students and Course Mentors. You may wish to discuss problems or challenges, your courses for next year, college and career options, or something else. Meetings are confidential and solutions-focused. Followlink to schedule.
You may have heard me mention one of my guiding principles as a school counselor, that a sense of belonging is essential to nurture in our young people. Kids need to have purpose and to feel seen. Thank you for the work you do daily to build connection and purpose in your children, and thank you for the opportunity to come alongside you in this important work.
In support,
Rachel Alm
Director of Student Services Colearn