After a week of vacation, today marks the first day back in class for Southborough students following the bombing at the Boston Marathon one week ago today. In a message sent to parents yesterday, Superintendent Charles Gobron said his staff is ready to help any students who might need it.
All of us have been deeply affected by this past week’s very emotional events surrounding the Boston Marathon. Children react to traumatic events in many different ways, and I want to assure all parents that we are prepared to respond in an age appropriate manner as students return to school tomorrow.
Resources are in place at each of our ten schools, and counselors and support staff will be available to assist students as classes resume. I know many of us benefit from the structure of our daily routines in school, and it will be good to return to a regular schedule on Monday.
At this time, it is also important for all of us to recognize that many true heroes emerged during this crisis. We want to acknowledge the humanitarian efforts of our police, fire, and emergency care providers, as well as neighbors who went out of their way to help those in need.
Tips and strategies for talking with children about difficult events like the marathon bombing, are available on the district’s website.
At 2:50 PM, I would ask that everyone in our community stop what they are doing and quietly take a moment to reflect upon the tragic events of a week ago, and in that reflection think not only of those killed and injured, but also about those who put all fear aside to help those in need on that dark day.