Cherry Hill Offers Counseling To Students After Georgia Shooting

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Counselors are available for students and families in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of eight people at three massage parlors in Atlanta, Cherry Hill Superintendent of Schools Joseph Meloche said Wednesday afternoon.

“We understand the difficulty in learning of this event at a time when many in our community are struggling with the one-year mark of our drastically curtailed lifestyles due to the pandemic,” Meloche said in a letter to the community. “I am especially concerned about our Asian students and families, who may already have felt rising levels of concern for their own safety.”

Robert Aaron Long was arrested in connection with three shootings that killed eight people at Asian massage parlors in Georgia Tuesday night, according to authorities. Read more here: 8 Killed In 3 Massage Parlor Shootings, 1 Arrested: Police

He blamed a “sex addiction,” as the motive behind the murders, according to ABC News.

“Our guidance counselors and student assistance counselors are available at their office phone numbers and email addresses listed on our school websites and will respond quickly to students and families who reach out to them,” Meloche said in the letter. “Additional resources, including how to help children cope with traumatic events, are listed on the Student Assistance page of our district website.”

According to areport published by the school district in January of last year, Asians are the second-largest race in the district, constituting 17.7 percent of the district’s population.

“As I have mentioned during other crises, our school district works every day to provide a safe and welcoming environment in which our students learn and grow, whether students are attending virtually or in person,” Meloche said. “We have policies and practices in place to make sure everyone in the Cherry Hill Public Schools community has the opportunity to learn and work in an environment where they are treated with dignity and respect, free from bullying or harassment. We do not discriminate on the basis of color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status or disability, and we continue our dedicated work in Cultural Proficiency, Equity and Character Education to ensure constant improvement in these vital aspects of education.

“Once again, we are increasing our outreach during this difficult time. Please join me in working together as a community to condemn all acts of violence and to support one another through these challenges. I encourage you to reach out to me at jmeloche@chclc.org to share your thoughts or request a phone conversation.”