Superintendent's Weekly Update

October 6, 2023

October 13, 2023

Dear Weymouth Public Schools' Community,

We hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and well. We want to take a moment to address the ongoing current conflict, recognizing that this topic can be sensitive and complex. You may be wondering how to support the mental well-being of our students. We recognize that students are exposed to violence through several channels, such as social media, news, and word of mouth. As a community, we should strive to create a safe and supportive environment where children can receive the necessary support and resources to cope with such experiences. We have compiled some additional resources that can help you support your child during challenging times.

Please review the information below:

Check-in with yourself: It's important to be mindful of your own emotional response to upsetting events when discussing them with your child. Take some time for self-care and ensure that you are in the right emotional state before beginning the conversation. This will help you approach the topic calmly and constructively and help your child feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Stick to the facts: It's best to stick to the facts that children need to know. Avoid unnecessary details and provide short, concrete explanations. This will help your children understand the situation without overwhelming them with too much information. Remember to listen to their questions and concerns and provide age-appropriate answers.
Be mindful of social media: While social media can be a useful tool for staying connected, it's important to recognize that it can also expose us to harmful content during difficult times. Here are some strategies to help minimize exposure to such content:

Temporarily delete apps that may contain disturbing content
Pause notifications from these apps
Block harmful content
Restrict, mute, or unfollow friends who share this kind of content for a period of time
Change search settings to block unwanted content

Reaffirm safety: Children want to know that they are safe despite what they are seeing and hearing about in the world. They may worry about the impact of events may have on you as their parents, their parents, etc. Start and finish your conversation by telling them they are safe.

By implementing these strategies, you can help reduce the impact of stressful events on your children’s mental health. If you have concerns about your students’ mental health please reach out to their pediatrician or school.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we navigate these challenging topics together.

Best Regards,

Robert Wargo

Superintendent

For additional information, please refer to the following resources: