We are dedicated to ensuring that our schools remain safe and inclusive environments where all students and families can learn and thrive. As parents and school staff, you play a crucial role in helping children feel secure by establishing routines and open communication about their concerns. Regardless of your children’s age, distressing news can impact them emotionally. So, how can you, as an educator or parent, assist your children in processing unsettling information? Here are a few helpful tips: 

• Stay Calm: Your children observe your reactions to news events. If you remain composed and level-headed, they are likely to follow suit.
• Create a Sense of Normalcy: Establish routines and familiar patterns to provide stability during uncertain times. Predictability helps children feel secure.
• Open Dialogue: Encourage your kids to express their feelings and fears. Be an active listener and validate their emotions.
• Age-Appropriate Conversations: Tailor your discussions to your child’s age and maturity level. Use language they can understand and address their specific concerns.
• Special Toolkit: Explore this toolkit for educators designed to identify and support children who have experienced traumatic events.

Helpful Resources 

• Talking to children about suicide and violent deaths: Talking with children about death can generally be an uncomfortable subject for parents and/or caring adults of the bereaved child. Talking with them about suicide and violent deaths can illicit more feelings of apprehension.
• Helping Children Cope With Frightening News: What parents can do to aid scared kids in processing grief and fear in a healthy way
• Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event: Tips, age aage-appropriatees, teacher resources, family resources, signs of identifying tramatrauma

For Immediate Help:  988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

• A free, confidential service for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, suicide ideation, or substance use disorder
• Available 24 hours/day, seven days/week, 365 days/year
• Text or call 988
• Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis: 988
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988

Additional Suicide Prevention Resources

• Resources and Supports for Families - Student Crisis Help & Care
• Teen Link is a confidential hotline for teens staffed by teen volunteers from 6:00 - 9:30 pm. Call or text 1-866-TEENLINK (833-6546)
• Crisis Connections is home to five programs focused on serving the emotional and physical needs of individuals across Washington State
• The Trevor Project offers immediate support for LGBTQ+ students via text (678678) or phone (866-488-7386) or chat

• Skagit County Behavioral Health Resources  A compilation of local resources published by Skagit County Human Services Department
• NAMI Skagit (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy
• Compass Health  A local, community-based behavioral health organization

• didgʷálič Wellness Center A primary goal is to provide the community with quality health care solutions to today's substance abuse disorder and mental health challenges
• Skagit County State Certified Treatment Agencies

You may access the following resources if you choose to talk with your children about this tragedy:

• Helping Your Child Deal with Deaths
• The Dougy Center – The National Center for Grieving Children and Families
• National Alliance for Grieving Children - About Childhood Grief
• Tips for Supporting Grieving Children
• Helping Children Cope with Loss, Death and Grief
• Book | UPLIFTING: Inspiring Stories of Loss Change, and Growth by local author Dr. Katie Eastman