North Shore Schools Work Remote Through Trauma Of Capitol Attack

MARBLEHEAD, MA — The day after a traumatic national event is generally a time when students come together and perhaps draw some comfort and understanding through sharing their thoughts and feelings in a room full of classmates and their teacher.

The day after one where hours of television were filled with images of the attack on the U.S. Capitol, however, was spent with most students and teachers across the North Shore apart and able to share only through a computer screen.

As much as navigating that detachment on any reasonably normal day has been a challenge throughout the 10 months of the coronavirus health crisis, days like Thursday can be the toughest when the emotional well-being of students takes precedence over the ability to learn an equation or memorize a sentence.

“I know from having taught for 16 years that those conversations are better in person," Marblehead Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Nan Skiff Murphy told Patch. "But our teachers and are skilled and experienced, and unfortunately we've had a number of national events (during the pandemic) where we've been able to build our toolbox about how to have those conversations appropriately."

Salem Superintendent Stephen Zrike also praised the way his district's staff handled talk of the riot that left four people dead and an American symbol of government in shambles in a way that was helpful, informative and respectful of those whose families may have different political perspectives.

"I really applaud our teachers and educators who spent time discussing (the attack) meaningfully with kids," Zrike said during his weekly Facebook Live session with families, "and helping them to process the events without taking a political angle, but looking at trying to help them make sense of what was viewed yesterday on television, which is certainly not something I would expect to see in my lifetime."

Peabody Superintendent Josh Vadala also shared with his school community tips for teachers and parents to address the images of conflict and violence.

The guide shared in both Marblehead and Peabody suggests providing "simple information balanced by the assurance of safety" for early elementary students, answering "questions and assist in separating reality from fantasy" for upper elementary and early middle school students and emphasizing the "student role in safety and how to access support" for upper middle school and high school students.

Families, friends and colleagues: as we follow the ongoing unrest in our nation’s capital many students, families and staff will need support processing these events. I’m thankful to a colleague that shared the resource below. Please reach out if you need additional support. pic.twitter.com/10NY3zGhxg
— Dr. Josh Vadala (@Peabody_Super) January 7, 2021

Murphy said where there is an "elevated level of concern" with students who may need more outlets to process their feelings, there are identified staff members at the school who can help teachers provide added help.

"There is a broad range of support in the district," she said of Marblehead.

Murphy said the teachers are also sensitive to how different households handle a day like Wednesday when it comes to sharing or sheltering children from the brutal reality of the news.

"For some kids parents don't want those transparent conversations in schools," she said. "They prefer to have those at home.

"Teachers always walk a fine line between being authentic and being respectful of the level of when depth talking with students."

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