As reports unfolded December 14 about a devastating elementary school shooting in Connecticut, Edgecomb Eddy School staff said they would be working to meet any needs the tragedy might create for students.

The support could take the form of group or individual discussions with students, to reassure them they are safe at school, Dean of Students Lisa Clarke and school counselor Madeline Olney said.

“Sometimes it helps them to know what plans we have in place for emergencies,” Clarke said.

Students are allowed to discuss news events during school, Clarke said. That can help separate facts from rumors, she said.

The “good communication” the school has with parents could also prove helpful, Clarke said. For example, a parent might inform the school if their child is having difficulties with the Connecticut incident, she said.

Clarke expects to meet Monday morning, Dec. 17, with Olney on plans for addressing any student needs stemming from the incident. Edgecomb Eddy's classes range from kindergarten through sixth grade.

Interviewed separately, Olney urged parents of students in the lowest grades of elementary schools to not have those children watch television news about the shooting. It can be particularly difficult for young children to understand, she said.

“You don't want your kindergartener watching some of this stuff,” Olney said. However, parents may want to discuss the event with their young children because older children on the school bus or elsewhere might be talking about it, she said.

“It's a tough discussion to have,” whether at home or at school, Olney said. “The biggest piece is to let them know they're safe and that we're going to protect them.”

Susan Johns can be reached at 207-844-4633 or sjohns@wiscassetnewspaper.com.