Author: Web Team

Wednesday’s tragic events at Antioch High School have left many in our community feeling sad, anxious, scared, and vulnerable. Teachers and students are having discussions in their classrooms today, and students are always welcome to approach their counselors, social workers, or any trusted adult at the school if they wish to talk more. The PTSO would like to share the following resources that may be of help to you and your family during this tough time in Nashville.

• Child Mind Institute: Age-appropriate guidance for holding tough conversations in response to a crisis. 
• Helping Kids Cope with Anxiety over Distressing News: A short article from the Seattle Children’s Hospital on strategies to use to support children and young adults.
• American Association of Pediatrics Guide to Keeping Kids Healthy During a Tragedy: A strong article that talks about do’s and don’ts for how to navigate tragic events.
• American School Counseling Association: Guide to Responding to School Violence: This resource highlights articles, videos, and other tools to use with young people. 
• Secondary Traumatic Stress and Vicarious Trauma: Secondary trauma is the emotional duress that may occur suddenly upon hearing the firsthand traumatic experiences of another. Vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue develops over time as the cumulative impact of long-term witnessing and adversity over time causing a shift in worldview and feelings similar to those who have experienced direct trauma.

One way to assist the victims of the Antioch High School shooting is to make a donation to the Nashville School Violence Support & Healing Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Contributions will be distributed to individuals directly impacted, following IRS-approved guidelines. Additionally, funds may be allocated to organizations providing critical services, such as mental health support. Click HERE for more information. 

The topic of school safety is understandably topmost on everyone’s mind this week. At last night’s PTSO meeting, Principal Holdren and District 8 School Board Member (and Hillsboro parent) Erin Block both emphasized that the district and school will be re-evaluating safety protocols and procedures in the wake of the Antioch shooting. In the coming days and weeks, there will be opportunities for everyone in our community—parents, teachers, and students—to share their ideas and concerns as the district explores additional steps that can be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.