Forest Hills Public Schools issued the following announcement on Dec 1.
Dear Forest Hills Families,
Today, we share our deep sympathy and support for the students, staff, and families of Oxford Community Schools. We cannot begin to imagine the pain the Oxford community feels following the act of gun violence in their high school yesterday. Our hearts are heavy with the weight of such a loss and our prayers are with everyone directly touched by this tragedy.
While it is unknown what prompted the shooting, and not for us to speculate, we do wish to send our families a reminder that there are ways to seek help if you, loved ones, or friends are experiencing distress. Across our state, schools participate in the OK2Say program which provides a number of resources to families. We are blessed to have our own team of highly trained counselors, social workers, and mental health liaisons that serve all of our schools. We also have contact information and a description of services and available resources in Forest Hills accessible to you. Additionally, three Kent County Sheriff’s Deputies exclusively serve each day in our schools as school resource officers. We encourage our students and families to utilize these resources whenever needed.
For families seeking a way to talk to their children about yesterday’s events, you may find this article to be a helpful starting point. Non-specific safety conversations may be more appropriate for younger students and may begin with presentations such as this K-2 grade safety presentation or this 3-5 grade safety presentation from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
These are challenging times and we can all draw support from one another as a community. We strengthen the fabric that supports our community through collaboration, communication, kindness, caring, respect, and love. Thank you for your daily acts of mutual regard, neighborly support, and selfless service. As we continue to support one another, our prayers, thoughts, and hearts are with the Oxford community.
With respect,
Dan Behm
Superintendent
*Resources*
OK2Say access: https://www.michigan.gov/ok2say
OK2Say resources: https://www.michigan.gov/.../0,5413,7-366-86299---,00.html
FHPS Social-Emotional Health resources: https://www.fhps.net/mental-health-and-well-being.../
Talking to Children About Violence: https://www.nasponline.org/.../talking-to-children-about...
Grades K-2: https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/.../Safety_Document_K_to...
Grades 3-5: https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/.../Safety_Document_3_to...
Original source can be found here.
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