A Letter to Parents
from Mark Freeman, Superintendent of Schools

March 21, 2003

Dear Shaker Parents and Guardians:
With the initiation of U. S. military action in Iraq, I think it is important to bring you up to date on what the School District is doing to keep our students safe and help them cope with world events.

Over the last two years, the School District has undertaken a comprehensive overhaul of its Critical Events Plan, with the assistance of the Shaker Heights Fire and Police Departments. We have developed and are continuously refining procedures for evacuation, shelter-in-place (with food and water supplies), and early dismissal. These could be put into motion in the event of an imminent threat or event in our area. The exact protocol would depend on the nature of the threat or event, and would be determined in consultation with safety officials. We remain in close communication with the Shaker Heights Fire Department, which is the lead local agency for disaster preparedness and our liaison with the appropriate County agencies.

In the unlikely event of an emergency, it may be difficult to get through on the telephone. Therefore, we recommend that you log onto www.shaker.org if possible, or tune in to local radio or television news. We will use these means to provide up-to-date information.

This is a good time to talk with your children about what they should do if they arrive home and you are not there. If we are directed to dismiss school early, your child could arrive home before you do. You should arrange with a trusted friend, neighbor or relative to look after your child if he or she should not be home alone. Make sure your child knows in advance what to do. This is also a good time to make sure the school office has current information on how to reach you during the day, including cellular and pager numbers if applicable.

Thus far, our students appear to be coping well. Teachers are responding to questions in a sensitive, age-appropriate manner, and have been asked not to expose younger children to televised images of the war. At the High School, many teachers have taken the opportunity to lead discussions about history, human relations, and geopolitics. Although there are many students who have passionate views about the war, I have been impressed by the respectful way they are expressing differences of opinion.

As the war wears on, and the talk of terrorist threats escalates, students may find it harder to manage strong emotions and fears. All staff members have been asked to be alert to students who may be especially upset by world events. Our psychologists and counselors at school can provide short-term support and can refer you to professionals who can provide more extensive therapy, should it be necessary. Children who have relatives on active duty, who have recently lost a loved one, or who have family ties to the Middle East may be especially vulnerable. Please let us know if your child needs our assistance.

After the attacks of September 11, 2001, I provided parents with some advice from experts on helping children cope. Those same tips are equally valid now:

•	Be honest, but do not give children more information than they can handle. Young children should not watch television coverage of the war, and older children’s viewing should be limited and should take place in the presence of a parent. You should also monitor use of the Internet, which may expose children to disturbing images.
•	Stick to your family’s normal routines, such as mealtimes and bedtime, to the degree possible. Routines help children feel secure and cared for.
•	Stay close to your children, both emotionally and physically. Read an extra bedtime story at night and be generous with your hugs. Even older children who are often less demonstrative need closeness and affection now.
•	Be attuned to your children’s moods and concerns and take your cues from them. Encourage them to talk about their feelings, and be available to listen to them.
•	If your child remains extremely fearful or shows signs of depression, I urge you to seek help from your family doctor or a mental health professional.

Additional advice on helping children cope is available on the website, www.shaker.org, and from your school office.

We believe that the possibility of danger in our area is remote, but we are prepared to do whatever we can to keep our students safe. We appreciate your cooperation and support.

Sincerely,
Mark Freeman

Site Map  |   January 12, 2004