Crumb Chronicles
***A Family Newsletter***
December 17, 2012 – Issue 8
Dear Families:
I am writing to let you know that many of the students in our class arrived this morning with the school tragedy in Connecticut on their minds. It was apparently a hot topic of conversation on the buses and before school. Most were discussing it as they walked through my door. So, after the bell rang, I felt I needed to briefly address it (it the most general terms) and reassure the kids as best I could. I told them that it was quite natural to want to talk about it and attempt to sift through all of their feelings about such a heart-breaking event.
I strongly encouraged them to discuss it with their parents if they had any lingering questions or related anxiousness. If they were having worries or questions that just couldn't wait until they got home today, I told them that they could talk to Mrs. Kramer, Mr. Cuddihy (our school counselor), or myself. To my knowledge, nobody in our class felt the need to do this.
I strongly discouraged them from discussing the event with other children on the playground, lunchroom, bus, etc. I told them that it could cause some kids to become anxious, particularly our younger students. I also let them know that it was best left to an adult, preferably a parent, to share the news with any students who had no knowledge of the event. I myself wasn't planning to specifically address this issue with the class as a whole, but with the "genie out of the bottle" before the day even started, I felt that we needed to briefly discuss it and then move on.
We proceeded with the day and our normal routines, and the topic never came up again in class.
As a parent and an elementary school teacher, I myself am experiencing a whirlwind of emotions in attempting to process this senseless act of violence. I haven't come up with many answers, but I do know that life is precious, and that I am extremely grateful to have such a wonderful classroom of talented, unique young people. I will do my best to never take them for granted.
Sincerely,
Michael Crumb
