Dear Cambrian Families,
Anyone who has turned on the news this week knows that the events taking place in Gaza and Israel are devastating. We know that some Cambrian School District students and staff have cultural ties to Israel and Palestine, and we offer our deepest condolences for those who have suffered a loss during this crisis. Even if we aren’t directly connected, watching the suffering, uncertainty and fear of families in that region is heartbreaking.
I want to affirm that our District values peace, and actively promotes tolerance and respect. It’s possible that violence we see from afar can trigger strong emotions. Our students should feel safe and supported at school. Any student feeling unsafe or anxious at school for any reason should reach out to an adult. Our staff members will be attuned to student interactions on this topic and are prepared to hold safe spaces for students and support them, as needed. At home, we encourage you to be extra vigilant about how your child uses social media, as they may be subject to disturbing, violent images.
Parents and guardians may be interested in resources to help their children understand and process the conflict and emotions that may arise from these violent events.
How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War: Common Sense Media gathers tips and conversation starters to help you talk to kids of different ages about the toughest topics.
Talking to Your Kids About War: VeryWell Family explores ways families can speak with young people about war, including tips on sharing information and restricting media coverage.
How to Talk to Your Children About Conflict and War: UNICEF’s guide offers eight tips to support and comfort your children.
Handle with Care: Supporting Young People During Crises: Learning for Justice offers recommendations and resources to help guide conversations with young people and to manage potential subsequent actions and reactions.
I want to reassure you that our school teams of principals, teachers, school psychologists, counselors, and support staff are prepared to support our students who may be experiencing trauma from this crisis or others. Our number one priority is the health and well being of our students, and despite world events, we are united as a district to support them at this challenging time in history.
Sincerely,
KRISTI SCHWIEBERT
Superintendent
Cambrian Schools
CAMBRIAN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Email: klavond@cambriansd.com
Website: www.cambriansd.org
Location: 4115 Jacksol Drive, San Jose, CA, USA
Phone: (408) 377-2103
Facebook: facebook.com/CambrianSchoolDistrict