Superintendent Letter regarding National Events of January 6, 2021

Dear Abington School District Families,

I know that there is a great deal of unease across the United States today in the wake of what occurred at the Nation’s Capitol Building on January 6, 2021. Our students may be feeling uncertainty as well, especially if they watched the events transpire on the news or heard about it from family or friends. 

In less than a year, our children/students have been through a pandemic and experienced multiple periods of civil unrest in response to national events. Children need to trust that they can share their feelings and thoughts without judgement or criticism, but with healthy discourse. As parents/guardians, caregivers, and educators, we have a critical responsibility to help children and youth see adults as keeping them safe, understand the challenges at hand within a problem-solving context, and see themselves as active participants in our efforts for improvement. Adult actions and attitudes can influence children greatly.

Yesterday evening the Abington School District administration provided teachers and staff with guidance on how to address student concerns and how to appropriately answer questions should students bring up the events of January 6th during class today. The materials provided included recommendations from our Teaching and Learning Department, as well as best practices from the Student Services Department regarding how adults can help children and youth manage their reactions to events in the news and their communities. 

If you notice signs of stress, extreme emotion or withdrawal in your student, our psychologists, counselors and social worker are available for virtual student counseling. You can contact the Student Services Department at 215-881-2548 or studentservices@abington.k12.pa.us. In addition, more information about social/emotional wellness is available on the Abington School District website, and tips for respectful conversations in schools, workplaces and communities can be found here. 

Please remember that we are all part of the community and can make positive contributions. Refocusing students on positive action and making positive contributions can reinforce their sense of community.

Regards,

Jeffrey S. Fecher, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools