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South Orange-Maplewood School District

A District That Celebrates

Uvalde School Tragedy: Message from Superintendent Taylor

May 25, 2022 By Communications

Good Morning South Orange & Maplewood School District Community,

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you this morning.  The senseless act of violence that occurred yesterday at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX stole the lives of 19 students and I believe we all woke up this morning feeling more burdened and saddened at yet another school tragedy inflicted by gun violence.    Please know this morning resources and talking scripts were shared with our staff members so that they are able to help students process this tragedy.  In addition our school social workers and counselors are on hand to offer support to students and staff who are struggling today and will be available to offer support in the coming days.

As a District, we want to assure families that the safety and security of our students and school facilities is always our top priority. We continue to work in partnership with our Board of Education and local police departments to  improve our safety practices and protocols.  Below is a list of resources that may help aid you in how to speak and support children in the aftermath of school violence.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s School Counselor or Principal if you feel further assistance is needed. Thank you.

Dr. Ronald G. Taylor, Superintendent of Schools

Resources for Families/Staff Expand

Resources for Parents/Teachers:

  • Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
  • Going Back to School After a Tragedy:  Support and routine are essential for children - https://childmind.org/article/going-back-school-tragedy/
  • Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting:  As a parent, you may be struggling with how to talk with your children about a shooting - https://www.apa.org/topics/gun-violence-crime/shooting-aftermath
  • Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News - https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/helping-children-with-tragic-events-in-the-news

Additional Resources

  • Talking to Children about the Shooting
  • Talking to Children about Terrorist Attacks and School and Community Shootings in the News
  • 15 Tips for Talking with Children about Violence
  • Restoring a Sense of Safety in the Aftermath of a Shooting: Tips for Parents and Professionals
  • Age-related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
  • Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event
  • Helping Youth After Community Trauma: Tips for Educators
  • NASP Addressing Grief Resources
  • Imagine - A Center for Coping with Loss
  • Tips for Parents on Media Coverage of a Shooting
  • Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress 
  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network 
  • American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 
  • American Academy of Pediatrics 
  • American Psychiatric Association 
  • American Psychological Association 
  • American Red Cross

May 25, 2022 Filed Under: Clinton, Columbia, District News, District News & Announcements, Jefferson, Maplewood Middle School, Marshall, Montrose, Seth Boyden, South Mountain, South Mountain Annex, South Orange Middle School, Superintendent, Tuscan

South Orange-Maplewood School District

South Orange-Maplewood School District

Address & Contact Info

525 Academy Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040

Main Office: (973) 762-5600

District Title IX Information

Dr. Kevin Gilbert
Asst., Supt., Access & Equity
District Title IX Coordinator
525 Academy Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040
e: kgilbert@somsd.k12.nj.us
p: (973) 762 - 5600 ext. 1859

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)

Dr. Kevin Gilbert
Asst., Supt., Access & Equity
District HIB Coordinator
e: kgilbert@somsd.k12.nj.us
p: (973) 762 - 5600 ext. 1859

Ms. Robin Curry
Confidential Secretary to the Asst. Supt., Access & Equity
e: rcurry@somsd.k12.nj.us
p: (973) 762 - 5600 ext. 1822

More HIB Information

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The South Orange & Maplewood School District is committed to making our content accessible to all members of the public, including those with disabilities. This includes parents, students, employees, and all others associated with our district. If you need assistance in accessing materials on the district website or you would like to provide feedback or file a complaint about the website, please email the webmaster.

Our Mission

The mission of the South Orange Maplewood School District is to empower and inspire each student to explore and imagine, to pursue personal passions, and to collectively create a better future by creating a learner-centered environment through multiple pathways; re-imagined structures, systems and supports; innovative teaching; partnering with families; and maximizing community expertise and resources.

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