Schools Prepare for First Day After Tragedy

As North Andover students return to school from April vacation, school officials have put a plan in place to help students cope with the Boston Marathon tragedy.

"The unfortunate and saddening events of this past week have impacted us all in various ways," Superintendent Kevin Hutchinson wrote in a letter to parents and staff. "Many have been personally affected, and all of us share a common angst when such tragedy strikes so close to home."

Staff members have been given guidelines to follow when addressing the topic with students.

"Additionally, if you feel your child is experiencing particular difficulty, please contact a building administrator or guidance counselor so that we can attend to supporting your child," Hutchinson wrote.

The guidelines sent to staff are as follows:

• Schools will not initiate conversation about the tragedy.
• If students initiate discussion, staff are told to:
• Be a nonjudgmental listener
• Acknowledge the tragedy “I know I heard about that too. It’s so sad.”
• Allow the student to talk about their feelings, possible connection and share that you are shocked & saddened by the news as well.
• Remind the student that they are safe, that this incident is rare and the importance of speaking to an adult if they are worried.
• Redirect the student back to the classroom routine when appropriate.                                                                                                                       
• Students who witnessed the tragedy should be encouraged to speak to a guidance counselor.