Teachers and staff are instrumental in providing a cohesive and supportive response to a crisis/tragedy event. Students will take cues from the adults, so remaining calm is important.
In addition, teachers and staff may need support. Be sure to seek a sub, or ask another adult to give you a short break, when needed. Support personnel will be available.
If a staff member is the first to learn of a crisis or tragedy:
Write down all the details as they have been given to you
Contact your administrator immediately. They will be in charge of the information now. (If Admin is unreachable, contact the Director of Public Safety).
Please wait for further guidance from a building or district administrator before taking any additional action.
What happens during the school day after the crisis or tragedy? School Day steps
If you are too distraught to engage in your regular work activities, please contact your Admin and request a sub.
Also, please seek the support of a Crisis Responder: a School Psychologist, School Counselor, or Mental Health Specialist can help with this.
If you are able to continue your work activities, please proceed. The goal is to provide a "normal" day for students who have not been impacted by the crisis/tragedy.
Use the following references as needed:
Student response to a crisis or tragedy: Most reactions are perfectly natural, but we should be aware of unusual responses and report them to a school mental health professional (school counselor, school psychologists, school social worker, school nurse). Consider these Common Student Reactions
Talking to students about the crisis or tragedy: Your administrator or a crisis responder will provide a script that you can use when sharing news with students. If you need a crisis responder to join you as you share with students, or would prefer for another person to deliver the information, please let your Admin know. Consider these Tips for Talking with Students when responding to student questions.
Adult support: While a Care Room may focus on students, crisis responders are also available for adults. Contact your Admin (or the front office) to request an adult to cover your class/activity and seek the support you need.