Resources and Supports for Students on Recent World Events

Arlington Public Schools extends its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to all those affected by the terrorist attacks and violence in Israel. The global community is interconnected, and events abroad can reverberate within our local community, especially among our Jewish community and all staff, students and families personally affected by this crisis.

APS is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all, particularly during incredibly challenging times. We are disheartened to hear about acts of discrimination and hate playing out closer to home. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or acts of hate in our schools and will continue to foster a unified and diverse community of understanding, respect and inclusion.

We know there are many individuals in our community experiencing fear and anxiety and we are here to help. We encourage any students or staff members struggling with these events to reach out to our school counselors and mental health professionals. Resources and supports are available to help process and cope with the emotions elicited by these tragic global events.

We hold close to our core values of diversity, inclusivity and the well-being of our students, staff and the broader community. In the days and weeks ahead, we will continue to monitor the situation, offer support and provide updates as necessary, always with the goal of maintaining a nurturing and secure learning environment for all.

Resources

• Common Sense Media – How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War
• Education Week – How to Talk About the Israel-Hamas War: Resources for Educators
• UNICEF – How to talk to your children about conflict and war
• Verywell Family – Talking to Your Kids About War
• American School Counselor Association – Helping Students in Troubling Times
• National Association of School Psychologists – Responsible Media Coverage of Crisis Events Impacting Children and Youth
• Institute for Curriculum Services: Support for Classroom Discussion on the Hamas-Israel WarTeaching the Arab-Israeli Conflict
• Facing History and Ourselves: Processing Attacks in Israel and the Outbreak of WarTeaching Antisemitism Collection of Lessons, Webinars, Professional LearningCombatting Erasive Hate: Jewish Identity in the Face of AntisemitismParenting in an Age of Online AntisemitismConfronting Antisemitism: Brave Classrooms