Dear Royal Oak Schools Community,
In the month when we are recognizing Mental Health Awareness, we are faced, yet again, with another act of horrific violence in our country. Today, we share our deepest sympathy with the students, staff, and families of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District and Robb Elementary. We cannot begin to imagine the pain the community is experiencing. Our hearts are heavy with the weight of such a loss and our thoughts are with those who are grieving and injured.
There are ways to seek help if you are experiencing distress. According to mentalhealth.gov, mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Many of the resources shared on our website may be of assistance to you as we all process the recent acts of violence.
For families seeking a way to talk with their children about these events, you may find the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) website to be a helpful starting point. Non-specific safety conversations may be more appropriate for younger students and may begin with presentations such as these found on the Johns Hopkins site for K-2 grade and 3-5 grade safety in schools. Additionally, Sesame Street provides resources on violence and trauma for younger children.
Additionally, there are mental health resources designed to support a variety of challenges experienced by people of all ages. We encourage our students, families, and community to use these resources when needed.
Across our state, schools participate in the OK2Say program. Schools, students, educators, and community members are encouraged to report any instances of threats, bullying, or harmful behavior to Michigan's OK2SAY hotlines. Anyone can report tips confidentially on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools. Specially trained technicians receive the tips and filter the information to the appropriate agency to provide a timely and effective response. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/ok2say.
Our staff is here to support your child who may be struggling with this or other recent events. Please reach out to their teacher, the principal, or other support staff available in our schools.
I want to close by assuring you that multiple safety measures are in place across Royal Oak Schools. You can review the results of a recent independent safety review conducted throughout the district using this link on our website.
Our thoughts are with the Uvalde community today and throughout their recovery.
Mary Beth Fitzpatrick