Talking to Your Children About Current Events

Greetings CHCCS Staff and Families,

Earlier today, protestors and some rioters breached the U.S. Capitol, causing both the House and Senate to be evacuated. As a result, the Electoral College certification was interrupted, the Capitol was placed on lockdown, and one life was tragically lost. Since this is an ongoing situation, we will continue to monitor these events and we will work to support you in any way needed. 

Age appropriate resources will be provided to teachers and staff as these events may be discussed in your child’s classes tomorrow. Feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher or principal with any questions or concerns that may arise. Please know that we take the physical, social, and emotional safety of our students and staff very seriously. Your school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists and mental health specialists can also provide mental wellness resources and support as needed.

Below is a list of resources that have been compiled by our team. I hope you find them useful in your conversations tonight and in the coming days. 

Resources for Engaging in Discussions with Children

How to Talk to Your Child About the News

Explaining the News to Our Kids

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers

Whether you choose to engage in discussions about these events in your home or classroom or not, we ask that you consider the following:

• Acknowledge that the events have happened and may be ongoing;
• Give students the grace and opportunity to disengage and take a break when needed;
• Provide students with an opportunity to write down their thoughts and feelings; 
• Validate the need to process through this and be inclusive of diverse perspectives and emotions; 
• Redirect any comments that may be contrary to our core beliefs; and 
• As our Community Code of Character, Conduct and Support states, “...model behaviors of respect, responsibility, trust-worthiness, fairness, and caring that empowers all stakeholders to participate as active citizens in our community.”

Thank you for partnering with CHCCS as we engage in dialogue that fosters a welcoming, supportive and unified educational setting and community. 

Sincerely, 

Nyah Hamlett, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

CHCCS COVID UPDATE

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