Framingham Schools Provide Resources In Wake Of Texas School Shooting

FRAMINGHAM, MA - In the aftermath of the elementary school shooting yesterday in Uvalde Texas that killed at least 19 students and two adults, Framingham Public Schools Superintendent Robert Tremblay offered a statement of concern for students, parents and staff and provided resources to help those gripped by the tragedy.

"We know that events like this are not only tragic and painful, but they can often lead to anxiety and fear felt by our entire community," Tremblay said. "We understand that our students and staff may need additional support during this time. We want to reinforce that we have support services in place and available to those who may be struggling with [yesterday's] tragic event."

He added that the Framingham Police Department "offered increased patrols and visibility at the start and end of the school day."

"We plan on having increased patrols throughout the day, including dismissal times," Framingham Police Lt. Rachel Mickens confirmed Wednesday morning

"Our hearts are with Robb Elementary’s educators, students, and families as well as the entire Uvalde community during this time of unconscionable loss and suffering," Tremblay said.

Neighboring Natick announced late Tuesday night that the police will step up their presence in the district's schools as well as at a unified track event Wednesday afternoon.

Here is the latest Patch article about the Uvalde school shooting and its victims.

The Uvalde school shooting is a series of violent events across the country, including last weekend's killing of 10 Black people in a Buffalo supermarket.

"We are still in the midst of supporting community members in the recent aftermath of the racially-charged mass shooting in Buffalo, New York ," Tremblay said, "and will be compiling additional resources and support services that support healing from both of these heartbreaking events."

In addition to offering mental health resources in each school and employee assistance, the department published a list of some area resources on its website in three languages: English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Local mental health resources provided include:

Behavioral Health Partners MetroWest
BHPMW partners with four leading social services and behavioral health agencies (Advocates, South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC), Spectrum Health Systems, and Wayside Youth & Family Support Network) in the Greater MetroWest region of Massachusetts to make it easier for individuals and families to access behavioral health, community development, and social services in the MetroWest area. Call 1-844-528-6800 to speak with a care coordinator.

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network
Wayside provides a range of services, including counseling, psychiatric emergency services and support groups. Contact Wayside Youth & Family Support Network for more information.

South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC)
SMOC serves low-income and disadvantaged individuals and families by providing a large array of services including behavioral healthcare. Click here for more information on SMOC’s Behavioral Healthcare Services.

The district also offered the following tips for parents and educators to talk with children about violence:

• Reassure children they are safe and review safety procedures.
• Create a sense of safety by returning to normal, predictable routines as soon as possible.
• Make time to talk and listen to the concerns and feelings of children.
• Limit the use of media consumption of these events to lower their stress and to maintain balance and perspective.
• The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends honesty with children – acknowledging that bad things do happen, but reassuring them with the information that many people are working to keep them safe, including their parents, teachers, and law enforcement. The APA also advises limiting children’s exposure to news coverage following such traumatic events.

Links to videos on how to discuss this sensitive topic with children are included at this link to the school department's website.