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Dobbs Ferry Schools Offer Help After Newtown Shooting

DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Dobbs Ferry school officials are helping students and parents cope after Friday's Sandy Hook School shooting in Newtown, Conn.

Parents and kids reunite outside the Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Conn.

Parents and kids reunite outside the Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Conn.

Photo Credit: Julie Curtis

“We anticipate that our Dobbs Ferry children and parents will also be struggling with how to talk to our children to provide them with a sense of safety and security for when they come to school,” Superintendent Lisa Brady said. “I have remained in touch with our principals and we will be convening our school level crisis teams first thing Monday morning.”

Officials say 27 people died Friday when a gunman forced his way into the school. The suspect, widely reported as Adam Lanza, 20, of Newtown, was found dead inside the school.

Officials said administration and support staff will be available if a student needs additional help. Parents should contact their school for more information.

School officials provided the following list of suggestions for talking to children:

  • Parents/guardians should limit younger children's exposure to news or other media.
  • Children, especially young children, should be kept to routines and adults should try to maintain routines to the extent possible.
  • Allow students to express their feelings; it could be verbally, at play or through artistic means.
  • Parents/guardians should validate their children's feelings.
  • Parents/guardians should not force children to talk about this tragedy.
  • Parents/guardians should be aware of their own feelings and how that could affect children. Try not to project your own anxieties onto children.
  • Be aware of signs that children may be in distress: changes in behavior, anxiety, sleep problems, acting out.

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