After the recent disturbing news of a Newton teacher’s arrest and arraignment, the Superintendent has provided the community with a message to help address concerns, including three resources that might be useful in helping parents talk to their children about the sensitive issues related to this incident.
January 19, 2012
Dear Newton families:
As you are undoubtedly aware, this week has been very upsetting and trying for the Newton Public Schools, especially the Underwood community. Our attention over the last couple of days has been on providing support to Underwood students, staff and parents.
The news of a Newton teacher’s arrest and arraignment on such serious charges has a real impact on the entire Newton community. Due to the media attention focused on the matter, we know that students are talking about information that may make them feel shocked, anxious and angered. While I expect that many of you have already spoken with your children about the sensitive nature of the allegations, they may need additional support.
As a way to begin addressing various concerns that have arisen, I have highlighted three resources that might be useful in helping parents talk to their children about the sensitive issues related to this incident.
The first link is from the Child Assault Prevention Program (CAPP)
It’s Time to Have a Talk with your Children about Sexual Abuse.
CAPP is the program used in the Newton Public schools that teaches children how to recognize and respond to potentially dangerous situations.
Another resource is from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, www.nctsn.org, which provides information for parents on how to talk about traumatic events.
Finally, I have included the Middlesex Children’s Advocacy Center in Woburn: www.middlesexcac.org.
We hope these resources will help to provide the background needed to assist your conversations with your children.
We will continue to pay special attention to the social and emotional needs of all of our students and encourage you to share any concerns you may have with our faculty, staff and administrators. I also want to inform you that we will be holding a community meeting to both share how we are responding to this situation and to provide further information for families. Details will be forthcoming.
Thank you very much for your understanding and support during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
David Fleishman