Dear NASP/MASP Family:

As the initial shock of the tragedy in Connecticut subsides, we begin to look ahead to returning to work Monday morning. We face the task of helping students all over the county cope with this unprecedented tragedy. In addition to the added stress this places on our normal workload, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting is different because it resulted in the death of fellow school psychologist, Mary Sherlach. Consequently, this event may also raise concerns about our personal safety. This may in no small part be due to the realization that many of us would follow Mary’s brave example.We have all been in that meeting room and, to protect our children, I think we would similarly run to the crisis, putting ourselves in harms way. As we face this vulnerability it is important to remember what we often tell others who have anxiety about school safety; we really all work in very safe environments and school violence of this nature is extremely rare.

Like many, I have been unable to wrap my mind around the tragic loss of so many young children and I am overflowing with sadness for the families of all who were lost. Consequently, I am not surprised to hear many of my fellow school psychologists report being very upset and even angry. We must remember, however, if we are to take care of our students, we need to first take care of ourselves.

And so, as we head to work this week before a holiday break, here are some suggestions:

• Visit the NASP web site for copies of talking points and tip sheets covering a wide variety of topics you may face back in your schools. NASP is here to serve as a resource and source of information for you as you provide your expertise to students, schools, families and communities.

• Connect with other school psychologists locally or on the NASP Communities to share your feelings and concerns.

• Utilize our “Care for Caregivers” resource for support for yourself. Please take advantage of the professional tools and supports available to you and feel free to share them with others.

Thank you for being your community’s resource; thank you for supporting children everywhere during this crisis; and most of all, thank you for being there for your schools. I know this is a difficult time for all of you but, especially in light of the loss of one of our own, you all continue to demonstrate the finest qualities of a school psychologist.

Best wishes to all of you for a safe and peaceful holiday season.

Sincerely,

Amy R. Smith                     Mary MacLennan

NASP President                 MASP President

Following National Tragedy

LATEST UPDATE:  Mon., Apr. 22 at 11:05 P.M. – See Updated “Workshops” Page