Schools Aim for Normality Following Boston Bombing

The Marlborough Public Schools are looking to create as normal an environment as possible for students as they return to school following at week of vacation and the Boston Marathon bombing.

“It saddens everyone. It is going to sadden our students," said Interim Superintendent Steven Dlott. “We want to assure the kids you are in a safe environment and want to make the day as normal as possible."

This event is so close to home for many of the students, he said. Whether it was just watching the TV coverage or students were in attendance at the marathon or knew someone who was, this tragedy affects the whole community.

“This one really hits home in a certain sense ... a student may have been at the finish line or known someone affected," said Dlott. “It is going to be a difficult day all over Massachusetts and for every school."

Teachers across the district have been given guidelines drafted by school adjustment councilors, he said. A clinical psychologist will be on call throughout the day to speak with students and teachers.

It has been important to have as many different responses in place as possible along with a uniformity and guidance for teachers, said Dlott.

"We will try to run as normal a school day," he said explaining that it will not be an intentional topic of discussion. "If it naturally comes up it comes up."

In a letter to parents Dlott released Friday he said the safety of students is paramount as school resumes.