North Andover Schools Share Resources After U.S. Capitol Riot

North Andover MA

07 January, 2021

3:49 PM

Description

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover Public Schools shared resources talking to children about violence Thursday after pro-Trump rioters broke into the U.S. Capitol Wednesday. The district shared a resource from the National Association of School Psychologists providing guidance to parents and teachers for when children are concerned about their safety and information from the Riverside Trauma Center about talking with children about traumatic events. "We wanted to provide some resources for those of you who may be looking for support when talking to your children about recent current events," Beverly Zagarri, the administrative assistant to the superintendent, said. The National Association of School Psychologists resource encourages parents and teachers to "reaffirm safety," "make time to talk," "keep explanations developmentally appropriate," "review safety procedures," "observe children's emotional state" and "maintain a normal routine." The Riverside Trauma Center resource has similar advice. It also encourages parents to monitor their children's access to media, watch for behavioral changes and make it a teachable moment. The Wednesday afternoon riot produced stunning images of chaos. Four people died — including one woman who was shot by Capitol police — and by Thursday morning 52 people had been arrested. RELATED: 'This Is Anarchy': MA Lawmakers Speak Amid Chaos At Capitol Hill