Today is a tragic day. Our hearts are heavy as we learn more about the shooting that occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas this afternoon.

It is a struggle for all of us, adults and children alike, to try to understand why and how such a horrific attack could occur at a school.

If your child is experiencing any anxiety about what happened today, we encourage you to talk with them to help process their feelings and reactions. School counselors will be on-hand to provide support to students and staff as needed in the coming days. Please reach out to them if you have any questions or would like resources to help support your child.

Resources are also available on the district's website, which you can find here.

Here are some ways you can help your family process today's tragedy;

1. Focus on your children over the week following the tragedy. If they are experiencing anxiety, try to help them understand what has happened, keeping in mind their developmental level.  

2. Stay close to your children. Your physical presence will reassure them and give you the opportunity to monitor their reaction. 

4. Limit your child’s viewing of these events. If they must watch, watch with them for a brief time; then turn the set off.  Don’t rewatch the same events over and over again.

5. Maintain a “normal” routine. To the extent possible stick to your family’s normal routine for dinner, homework, chores, bedtime, etc., but don’t be inflexible.  Children may have a hard time concentrating on schoolwork or falling asleep at night.  

6. Spend extra time reading or playing quiet games with your children before bed. These activities are calming, foster a sense of closeness and security, and reinforce a sense of normalcy.

7. Safeguard your children’s physical health. Stress can take a physical toll on children as well as adults. Make sure your children get appropriate sleep, exercise, and nutrition.