Counselors Available to Students and Parents Seeking Advice during Tragedy
By: Robert Lowrey
Updated: December 14, 2012
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) The tragedy that struck Newtown, Connecticut early Friday morning left many close to home in disbelief.
"I don't think when I was in school we really had to process anything of this magnitude," said Randy Sample, picking up his son at Skaith Elementary School. "Kids these days have intruder drills. They have things of that nature."
The attack that left twenty children dead in an elementary school can weigh heavily on the hearts and minds of those who send their children off to school every morning.
For children who might be concerned or even scared, there is some help for parents.
"Things that parents can be concerned about for their children is to try to create as much of a normality as they possibly can," said Cindy Crouse, counseling coordinator with the St. Joseph School District.
That help begins first by finding out how much they know.
"Would it be based on facts or is it just something they've simply heard from rumors or blown it out of proportion," asked Crouse.
Despite the tragedy, counselors also say it is best to remind kids they are still safe.
Above all else, parents need to be there for their children.
"Give your child a hug, a kiss, tell them you love them and know that we in St. Joseph are doing our very best to keep our children just as safe as possible," said Dan Colgan, president of the St. Joseph School District's Board of Education.
The St. Joseph School District says counselors will be available Monday at schools to answer an questions.
"I don't think when I was in school we really had to process anything of this magnitude," said Randy Sample, picking up his son at Skaith Elementary School. "Kids these days have intruder drills. They have things of that nature."
The attack that left twenty children dead in an elementary school can weigh heavily on the hearts and minds of those who send their children off to school every morning.
For children who might be concerned or even scared, there is some help for parents.
"Things that parents can be concerned about for their children is to try to create as much of a normality as they possibly can," said Cindy Crouse, counseling coordinator with the St. Joseph School District.
That help begins first by finding out how much they know.
"Would it be based on facts or is it just something they've simply heard from rumors or blown it out of proportion," asked Crouse.
Despite the tragedy, counselors also say it is best to remind kids they are still safe.
Above all else, parents need to be there for their children.
"Give your child a hug, a kiss, tell them you love them and know that we in St. Joseph are doing our very best to keep our children just as safe as possible," said Dan Colgan, president of the St. Joseph School District's Board of Education.
The St. Joseph School District says counselors will be available Monday at schools to answer an questions.
