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Schools prepare to support students, staff following Pittsburgh synagogue shooting

PITTSBURGH — School officials across the Pittsburgh area are prepared to support their students, faculty and staff as they head back to school on Monday following the Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooting.

Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Anthony Hamlet sent the following message to families and staff regarding the support that will be available:

Good evening Pittsburgh Public Schools Families and Staff,

This is Superintendent Hamlet. It is with a heavy heart that I call you this evening. The third of three acts of hate that took place in the U.S. this week occurred right here in Pittsburgh. As a school community, as a Pittsburgh community, our hearts are broken as we try to understand this terrible, painful tragedy that occurred in Squirrel Hill.

Please know that to support our students and staff, in the schools most affected by this tragedy, we will have both student and employee assistance available. On behalf of PPS, I would like to thank the Law Enforcement and First Responders who risked their lives to save others yesterday. As always, our School Police will work closely with City of Pittsburgh Police to ensure an appropriate presence throughout the District. We have made resources available to school staff to assist with conversations as they arise with our students. For a list of resources, please visit our website at www.pghschools.org.

This is a sad time in our community. As we all mourn this tremendous loss of life of family members, friends, neighbors and coworkers – our thoughts and prayers go out to all those impacted by this tragedy, and we stand in solidarity with the members of our Jewish community. As Pittsburghers, we are a family. As Pittsburgh Public Schools, we are a family. We must stick together as a family and stand against any form of hate and intolerance.

All District schools will begin tomorrow with a moment of silence and reflection. The following schools with a bus stop at Shady and Wilkins Avenues will be rerouted to stop at Shady and Northumberland: Carlow Campus School, The Ellis School, Winchester-Thurston, Pittsburgh Colfax K-8, Faulk Laboratory School, and Shadyside Academy. The City League Football Championship game between the Pittsburgh Allderdice Dragons and Pittsburgh Westinghouse Bulldogs has been rescheduled for Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at 7:00 PM at Cupples Stadium.  Both teams will start the game with a moment of silence honoring this weekend's victims and all victims of violence.

North Allegheny School District Superintendent Robert Scherrer sent out the following letter:

Dear North Allegheny Families, 
  
The senseless act of violence at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill yesterday has left the Pittsburgh community in a state of shock and disbelief. The North Allegheny community is deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and condolences go out to those affected. 
  
We realize that your child may be upset by this troubling news. While we respect each family's decision on how and when to talk about violence and tragedy, we'd like to share some resources that may be helpful to you and your family: 
Responding to Children When Tragedy Occurs (Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC) 
How to Talk to Children about Difficult News (American Psychological Association) 
Explaining the News to Our Kids (Common Sense Media) 
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists) 
  
Furthermore, we recognize that there may be North Allegheny families who are directly impacted by this tragedy. Our school counselors at each building are always available for any student dealing with a crisis and will be prepared to meet with individuals who may need assistance on Tuesday morning. (There are no classes for students tomorrow, Monday, October 29, as it is a scheduled in-service day.) If you have any other concerns or questions, please feel free to contact your child's principal. 
  
We are NA, and we stand with our fellow Pittsburghers against hate and violence.

 The Avonworth School District Administration sent the following letter:

Dear Avonworth Families,

We are all saddened and shocked by the senseless act of violence that took place at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill on Saturday.  Our thoughts and condolences go out to everyone that has been impacted by this unthinkable and cowardly act. To the members of our Jewish community, we are here to support you.

We recognize that students in our Avonworth community may have been impacted by this tragedy.  Our counselors will be available for any student or staff member that may need assistance as we return to school on Monday.

Additionally, resources are available on our website to support you in having conversations with your children about traumatic and violent events, such as the tragedy that occurred this Saturday.   These resources can be found by clicking on the Parents tab and then the Family Support and Resources tab.

The Avonworth School District continues to be dedicated to promoting a culture of kindness, compassion, and acceptance.

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