Our hearts are broken today…
There are no words to express my thoughts about today, just a constant ache, a need to sit in a quiet place and cry.
My own children are grown but my life and all our lives here at QAE revolve around children and this is just beyond
comprehension. Tonight all our hearts go out to those shattered families in Connecticut and those who love them
and will walk with them through difficult days ahead.
I know you received an email and hard copy of a letter from Superintendent Banda today and I want you to know
what happened here at QAE today and what to expect on Monday. I was away this morning with Katie and Kristi
previewing furniture when the news broke. When we got back to QAE I had Carla call a few folks that I knew live
close by and a number of very gracious parents came to school to be on hand for recesses, lunch and the rest
of the day. I simply wanted more adults to be present both outside and inside the building for the day. We had a
police presence for part of the day and at the end of school also. I believe that none of our teachers shared the news
of this with students during the day today, although a few may have looked at the letter from the Superintendent
on the way home. I have received a number of resources from our district and from other individuals that I have
included links to at the end of this email. I would suggest you read those and choose what works best for your family
tonight and over the weekend. Our staff will meet early Monday morning to discuss what and how to share with our
students and I have complete faith in all our teachers to shepherd our children thoughtfully and carefully through this.
Please know that we love your children, we want them to know they are loved and we will partner with you to care
for them when life goes so horribly awry. If you have any concerns please contact your child's teacher or me.
Take good care of yourselves and your children this weekend,
----
David
delliott@seattleschools.org
Resources:
Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event - A GUIDE FOR PARENTS, CAREGIVERS, AND TEACHERS
A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope
Talking to Children About Violence - Tips for Parents and Teachers:
English
Korean
Spanish
Vietnamese
There are no words to express my thoughts about today, just a constant ache, a need to sit in a quiet place and cry.
My own children are grown but my life and all our lives here at QAE revolve around children and this is just beyond
comprehension. Tonight all our hearts go out to those shattered families in Connecticut and those who love them
and will walk with them through difficult days ahead.
I know you received an email and hard copy of a letter from Superintendent Banda today and I want you to know
what happened here at QAE today and what to expect on Monday. I was away this morning with Katie and Kristi
previewing furniture when the news broke. When we got back to QAE I had Carla call a few folks that I knew live
close by and a number of very gracious parents came to school to be on hand for recesses, lunch and the rest
of the day. I simply wanted more adults to be present both outside and inside the building for the day. We had a
police presence for part of the day and at the end of school also. I believe that none of our teachers shared the news
of this with students during the day today, although a few may have looked at the letter from the Superintendent
on the way home. I have received a number of resources from our district and from other individuals that I have
included links to at the end of this email. I would suggest you read those and choose what works best for your family
tonight and over the weekend. Our staff will meet early Monday morning to discuss what and how to share with our
students and I have complete faith in all our teachers to shepherd our children thoughtfully and carefully through this.
Please know that we love your children, we want them to know they are loved and we will partner with you to care
for them when life goes so horribly awry. If you have any concerns please contact your child's teacher or me.
Take good care of yourselves and your children this weekend,
----
David
delliott@seattleschools.org
Resources:
Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event - A GUIDE FOR PARENTS, CAREGIVERS, AND TEACHERS
A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope
Talking to Children About Violence - Tips for Parents and Teachers:
English
Korean
Spanish
Vietnamese
