From: Wallace, Patrick W.
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 8:30 AM
To: Wallace, Patrick W.
Subject: A message for SLPS Superintendent Dr. Kelvin R. Adams
Dear Saint Louis Public School Parents and Community,
The events of the last few days have left all of us with more questions than answers. It is
virtually impossible for us to make sense of this catastrophe. The tragedy in Newtown,
Connecticut has left us all with a deep and overwhelming sense of sadness and loss. This
is a loss not only for that community but our entire nation. As a parent and as a teacher I
cannot began to imagine the deep pain that the family and community must feel. Please
join me and the Saint Louis Public School Community in praying for the families who
have suffered the loss of their children.
The safety of students and staff has always been the main priority of the Saint Louis
Public Schools. We, like all school districts across our country, will continue to review
our security procedures and crisis plans and policies. We will continue to partner with
our local law enforcement agencies in our effort to remain transparent and vigilant in our
efforts to ensure the safety of our students and school community.
As students return to school this week, they may have questions or concerns that might
arise about the safety of their school or questions about the tragedy. The Student Support
Services teams (school-based counselors, social workers, and nurses) will be available to
provide consistent, comprehensive guidance and support if needed. Below are some tips
from to consider to help children cope with a tragedy:
1. Reassure children that they are safe. Emphasize that schools are very safe.
Validate their feelings. Explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy occurs. Let
children talk about their feelings, help put them into perspective, and assist them in
expressing these feelings appropriately.
2. Make time to talk. Let their questions be your guide as to how much information
to provide. Be patient. Children and youth do not always talk about their feelings
readily. Watch for clues that they may want to talk, such as hovering around while
you do the dishes or yard work. Some children prefer writing, playing music, or
doing an art project as an outlet. Young children may need concrete activities (such
as drawing, looking at picture books, or imaginative play) to help them identify and
express their feelings.
3. Observe children’s emotional state. Some children may not express their concerns
verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can indicate a child’s
level of anxiety or discomfort. In most children, these symptoms will ease with
reassurance and time.
4. Maintain a normal routine. Keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring and
promote physical health. Ensure that children get plenty of sleep, regular meals, and
exercise.
These are just a few suggestions but I think the best recommendation is to hug your
children and to assure them how much you love them. Please check the Saint Louis
School District website at www.slps.org as we will update our resources for parents on
this difficult issue. If you have any questions or concerns, you are welcome to contact
your school principal or any central services administrator.
Thank you
Kelvin R. Adams
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Parents, please notice the letter from our superintendent. In addition, I wanted to let you
know that we also discussed this tragedy with our 1st through 5th graders during morning
meeting. Our preschoolers and kindergarteners were dismissed. My focus was safety
and caring. I told them they were safe at Mallinckrodt and I reiterated why it is so
important to practice our drills for all emergencies. We talked about all the types of drills
we do. I let them know that only once did we have a disaster close to our school and that
was a tornado. It never touched down near us but it was close by. Some of them
remembered that we kept about 100 students until 6:00 two years ago. I think they found
comfort in knowing and understanding about drills as well as knowing they work if we
ever do have to use them for an emergency.
The second thing I discussed was something I have learned first hand. When things are
sad, giving service and showing kindness to those around us in need always helps. I
talked about everything they were doing the Heifer Project, the canned food drive, and
the peace doves for soldiers in Afghanistan. I told them they were so good in supporting
our community, the world, and our troops and to keep up supporting and caring about
others. Acts of kindness slowly heal.
Thank you for entrusting your child to us and we assure you that we will do everything
we can to keep all of Mallinckrodt safe.
Dr. M. Q. Denny
Principal
Mallinckrodt Academy
6020 Pernod Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63139
314-352-9212 office
314-244-1825 fax
314-581-4368 cell
merry.denny@slps.org