We Can Feel Safe At School

We Can Feel Safe At School
This is the title of a book my class wrote last year.  It is the third book in my "collection" by this title, all written for the very same reason.  Brainstorming of  how our school is a special place, how it is filled with people that care about them, and highlighting all of the good things around them that help keep them safe is the best way I've know to deal with the questions that come.  It isn't in my lesson plans for tomorrow. More than ever, I hope I don't have to write another one of these books.
I just want tomorrow to be a normal day.  When I ask my students about their weekend, I hope they tell me about places they went and things they did.  I pray their minds are consumed with Santa's coming, our craft we are making for parents, and what might be our fun activities this final week before the holiday break.  I don't want to hear the words, "Mrs. Price, did you see that shooting on tv?"
That is the moment I now know, from experience, that I must begin to choose my words carefully.  I must lead a discussion with my students, students not much older than the victims themselves, that does not include details which instantly takes away innocence.  Some children will be informed, some over-informed, and others completely unaware.  Somehow, I will have to redirect into an age appropriate, classroom discussion that reinforces how our school is safe and they are safe.... all while convincing myself.

Pray for your child's teach tonight.  We are all thinking the same thing..."Tomorrow will probably not be a normal day."