The Clerc Center
Connection

Vigil of Remembrance

Students, teachers, staff and administrators gathered in front of MSSD on Friday afternoon, September 14, to remember those who perished in the tragedies in New York and Washington. Interim Dean Katherine Jankowski, Provost Jane Fernandes, and President I. King Jordan, gave brief remarks. Students and staff were then invited up to the podium to share their thoughts and concerns.

Our thoughts and sympathies are with the survivors, families, friends, rescue workers and others working to rebuild lives and lift spirits.

Finding Ways to Help Children Cope With Disaster -- and Move Forward

Excerpted from the Washington Post

The National Association of School Psychologists, the American Psychological Association, and the Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children has put together the following suggestions:

"Helping Children Cope With the National Tragedy,"
It urges adults to:
Share the facts in a calm and caring manner.
Provide a vehicle for expressing fears and anxiety, such as journal writing or drawing.
Control panic among children by remaining calm yourself.
Acknowledge that there is some uncertainty about what will happen next, but many adults are working together to ensure everyone's safety.
Look for stories of heroism and bravery in the face of the disaster and talk about how this crisis brought out the best in people from all over the world who want to help.
Find a role for students to help the victims of the attacks.