October 26, 2023
Dear Noble Community,
We want to take a moment to acknowledge the recent senseless act of violence that occurred in Lewiston last evening. It is devastating on so many levels. We will continue to provide updates as the situation unfolds if it relates to school. A number of community members and staff have connections to those who live in and around the Lewiston area, and as you work through the next few days and beyond, please know that you are not alone.
To that end, this correspondence is to provide guidance and resources as you grapple with the events of last evening and how it relates to your children. It is all of our responsibility to help children feel supported during these challenging times.
Here are some guidelines:
Open Communication-Encourage open, honest, and developmentally appropriate discussions with your child. Create a safe space for them to express feelings. Tailor conversations to your student’s age and maturity level. Younger children will likely need simpler explanations while older children may require more detail.
Maintain Routine- Consistency and routine can provide a sense of stability during uncertain times. Make sure your student’s routine remains intact as much as possible.
Monitor Media Exposure-Limit your child’s exposure to media coverage of the incident. It is important to control the information they consume and ensure it is age-appropriate.
Validate Feelings- Acknowledge your child’s feelings and let them know it is normal to feel scared, sad, and confused. Reassure that you are there to support them.
School Resources- Our school district has resources and support systems in place to help children cope with traumatic and unsettling events. Our school counselors are available to provide assistance and guidance to students and further resources to parents or families.
To further assist you in discussing this incident with your child, here is a compiled list of helpful resources:
How to Talk to Kids about Tragedies in the Media (Child Development Institute)
Talking to Children about Violence (National Association of School Psychologists)
Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
Assisting Parents/Caregivers in Coping with Collective Traumas (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
Creating Supportive Environments When Scary Things Happen (Center for Resilience & Well-Being in Schools
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (NASP)
Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting (American Psychological Association)
Tips for Parents on Media Coverage (National Traumatic Stress Network)
Please know that you are not alone in navigating this difficult situation. Our school district is here to support all our students and we are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all.
This event will change our state forever. We thank you for your partnership in ensuring the well-being of our students.
Sincerely,
Audra Beauvais Susan Austin