SEL Resources for School Shootings Trauma
CASEL, the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, shared these thoughts and resources for teachers and families in the wake of the tragic school shooting in Georgia this week:
We are deeply saddened by news of another mass shooting as the school year unfolds. We will continue to support educators, schools, and young people in leveraging social and emotional learning (SEL) to create safe, supportive, and welcoming learning environments where all people can heal and thrive. Students are likely experiencing a range of emotions, including grief, fear, sadness, and anger.
Parents, caregivers, educators, and other important adults in their lives can help young people process those emotions, understand the news, and find ways to support one another. These resources from leading organizations are designed to help adults foster a learning environment that offers the support all students and adults need during traumatic events:
- Teaching in the Wake of Violence, Facing History and Ourselves – A coordinated schoolwide approach to responding to upsetting and violent events. (https://bit.ly/3NjJ5EM)
- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers, National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) – Key points to communicate and ways to support young people emotionally, differentiated by age group. (https://bit.ly/3ljpHf7)
- Discussing Tragic Events in the News, Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility – Basic questions and discussion formats for teachers to use as they make space for students to discuss their reactions and take positive action. (https://bit.ly/38xZl67)
- Talking with Children About Gun Violence, Anti-Defamation League – Resources, questions, and tips for talking with children 12 and up. (https://bit.ly/4cTMiHl)
You can also find additional resources here: https://casel.org/blog/our-schools-should-be-places-of-joy-and-safety/
Purchase Lunches Using New Meal Magic Program
Adults can now purchase meals in our cafeterias using the Meal Magic program.
To purchase meals at any school, adults must set up a Meal Magic account at kalamazoo.familyportal.cloud. Find instructions on how to set up a Meal Magic account at https://videos.cdn.spotlightr.com/watch/gallery/Mjk4NQ==
Teachers should be able to access the system directly, but all other staff should contact Matt Kusmack, marketing outreach specialist for Food Services, for assistance prior to starting the application process. His email is kusmackml@kalamazoopublicschools.net.
Add funds to your account, select a meal or a la carte items, and use the new computer point of sales equipment in the secondary schools to purchase your items. Secondary guests can also purchase items using cash. At the elementary schools, fill out the paper forms available in the cafeteria, and hand it to the food service staff for assistance.
Lunch is $5 and breakfast is $3 in KPS cafeterias.
If you have any questions or problems, please contact Matt.
Just a reminder, according to USDA regulations, only food service employees who directly prepare meals are eligible to receive a free meal during the school day.
Kalamazoo Public Schools
Email: communications@kalamazoopublicschools.net
Website: https://www.kalamazoopublicschools.com/
Location: 1220 Howard St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49008
Phone: (269) 337-0100
Facebook: Facebook.com/KalamazooPublicSchools
Twitter: @KPSschools