West Orange Schools 'Remaining Vigilant' After Maplewood Shooting

WEST ORANGE, NJ -- There is no known connection between a tragic shooting at Columbia High School in Maplewood and the West Orange Public School District, an official said Monday.

Authorities in Maplewood have confirmed that gunshots killed an 18-year-old student and injured a 17-year-old at the athletic fields of a local high school Sunday, and that the incident is being investigated as a homicide. Read More: Maplewood Shooting: Police ID Teen Fatally Shot, No Arrests Made

West Orange School Superintendent Scott Cascone issued a statement to the community on Monday evening. He wrote:

"By this time, you may be aware of the tragic occurrence on Sunday in the neighboring community of South Orange-Maplewood. A shooting occurred on school property killing one Columbia high school student and critically injuring another.

"First and foremost, please join me in offering our support and prayers for the students, families and the entire community.

"While senseless tragedies like this resulting from gun violence have become all too common in our country, certainly, when they affect our communities they hit home with even greater force.

"Please know that we are engaged in information sharing with the West Orange Police Department to ensure we are doing everything at this time to maintain the safety of our schools and our staff and students. Through consultation with the WOPD, they have confirmed that there is no known connection or relationship with West Orange, and that they have received no intelligence to this effect. We will remain in contact with our local authorities for updates in this regard. I have briefed the building principals and reinforced the importance of remaining vigilant at this time.

"We continue to make school safety and security not only a priority for the remainder of this year but through the ongoing investments and upgrades planned for our facilities this summer moving into next school year.

"Please also know that listed below are some useful steps and measures to take at home, as well as resources to guide a conversation with your children about school violence and shootings. Our school counselors remain available should your child be in need of any support in dealing with this tragedy which has hit so close to home."

Be present and listen.

Turn off the phones, tablets and the television. Ongoing exposure to world events can feel overwhelming to children and teens. When you reduce screen time, you give you and your children a chance to interact with one another. This might give you a chance to talk with your child about concerns they may have. By listening to them, your children feel validated and cared for and you stay informed about the things that concern them.

Give simple, honest answers to questions.

Use age-appropriate language when talking with your children. Younger children don’t need long answers with lots of details. You might be surprised how a short, pointed answer will do the trick. With teens, however, their ability to think more abstractly may bring them to ask more difficult questions about how gun violence touches society politically, socially and morally. Take the opportunity to sit and listen. Like adults, children and teens are better able to cope with a difficult situation when they have the facts about it.

Watch for signs and symptoms of trauma.

Children do hear and see stories about gun violence. They may have a friend or classmate who was impacted by gun violence, or a shooting may have occurred in your community or within your family. Some youth reside and go to school in areas where violence is a regular occurrence and they are more at risk for trauma and its psychological effects. Whether it’s close to home or something they hear on the news, ongoing exposure to gun violence can take its toll on your child. Watch for the signs and symptoms of trauma. Talk to your child to see if what you are seeing is connected with a recent shooting incident, and consider counseling for your child.

Create a safe environment for them.

Everyone needs to feel safe and secure in order to live fully and thrive. The constant threat of gun violence can disturb any sense of safety your child might have. Let your children know you are there for them and you are making sure to let them know you are doing everything you can to keep them safe. Teens also need this reassurance. Maintain a regular routine as much as possible as well as expectation around chores, schoolwork and other rules of the house. Routines create a sense of safety and stability.

Take time for yourself and honor your feelings.

The news of gun violence, or your experience of gun violence can cause trauma to you. In order to help your children, you’ll need to also make certain you are taking care of yourself. Self-care practices are also a great way to model resiliency and positive coping for your children. Eating well, staying active, getting rest and doing things you enjoy are all ways of practicing self-care.

2nd Floor Youth Helpline: If you are between the ages of 10 and 24, live in New Jersey, and need to talk about an issue or problem that you are facing, call 888-222-2228 anytime or text us at 888-222-2228.

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