LINCOLN, NE — The Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB), Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA), and the Nebraska Council of School Administrators, (NCSA) have united to support students as they engage in an important discussion about school safety. The groups issued the following statement:
- Nebraska students joined with students from across the nation in intense and vocal reactions to the tragedy at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. Social media is awash with students discussing their thoughts and concerns about mass shootings, bullying, mental health resources and what can be done to prevent another such tragedy.
- Students in Nebraska are talking and we want them to know that teachers, administrators, and school boards are listening.
- We are saddened by the senseless acts of gun violence that are occurring in our country and in our schools. Schools should be the safest place for our students and staffs.
- We are fortunate to have strong public schools in our state that focus on supporting students. We acknowledge and applaud the students of Nebraska for speaking up on this issue, and we know that we have administrators and teachers who are listening so that students feel heard.
- Our primary concern is student safety and the safety of our teachers, support staff and all personnel tasked with the important job of educating our students while supporting the expression of concerns and participation in civil discourse. This is about teaching and learning and as statewide education organizations, we want to support the efforts of our students and their teachers in this very important discussion.
- While responses to what is happening on the national scene will likely look different in each of the districts across the state, rest assured the NSEA, NCSA and NASB are available to help each of our states school districts.
- We want our members to know that there is the potential for student-led activity in response to the Parkland tragedy and we encourage the adults in their lives, both at school and at home, to assist students by overseeing student safety during these events.
The NSEA, NCSA and NASB provide essential support and guidance for teachers, administrators and school boards. As we move through the days ahead with heightened focus on safety and security we will continue to provide such guidance and support to our school districts. Our goal is to encourage students to engage in productive, safe and civil discourse on this very urgent and important issue. We hope that all of Nebraska will stand with us as we help our young people address their very real concerns and fears.
Below are resources for parents and educators:
https://feaweb.org/
http://www.nea.org/home/72279.htm
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Talking-To-Children-About-Tragedies-and-Other-News-Events.aspx
http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-types/terrorism
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/disaster-types/mass-violence