Wayland Superintendent: Resources Available As Parents, Students Cope with Newtown Shooting

In the wake of the today, Wayland Superintendent Paul Stein is offering support and reassurance for parents. 

"To many of us, our perception of who we are as a community begins with our schools," Stein writes in a message sent this afternoon via the superintendent's listserv. "Parents entrust their children to the schools, and schools are trusted to be safe places."

Stein reminded families that Wayland is a community that has shown care and support for one another in times of crisis.

"Nothing can take that away," he writes.

Stein added that parents will be talking with their children in a developmentally appropriate way about this tragedy and he encouraged them to contact the schools if they could be of help.

A copy of Stein's message is below:

My message today, unfortunately, is a somber one. As I'm sure most of you already know, there was a shooting at an Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. As of this writing, 27 deaths have been reported including 18 children. This event is so horrific and so chilling that we can't help but to be deeply touched by its impact and its aftermath. To many of us, our perception of who we are as a community begins with our schools. Parents entrust their children to the schools, and schools are trusted to be safe places.  The event in Newtown may rock our sense of safety and security -- and it may raise disconcerting questions in the minds of our students. We, ourselves, may experience feelings of anger and outrage, helplessness and bewilderment. Such feelings are complicated and confounded when we are faced with a child's questioning looks and fearful thoughts. Our response -- how we answer questions, how we discuss today's event, how we limit children's exposure to what will undoubtedly be a barrage of TV and media reporting, and generally how we educate, protect and comfort our children -- will vary in relation to their developmental age. Later today, I will be sending out a follow-up email which will provide some guidance to parents on these matters. If, in talking to your children over the weekend, you remain concerned with your child's reaction or vulnerability, please contact the schools so that we can help. In the meantime, remember that Wayland has shown time and time again that it is a caring community. Nothing can take that away.

According to reports from the Associated Press (reported via Newtown Patch), a shooter with several guns is believed to have shot and killed 26 people, including 18 children, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. 

For more updates on the tragedy in Connecticut, visit Newtown Patch or follow them on Twitter @NewtownPatch.