Comments on: Dr. Edwards’ Response to Newtown, CT Shooting

By: MrFixIt

MrFixIt — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 03:55:52 +0000

Here’s the actual Fred Rogers quote… Boy we sure could use him around this week…..

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” –Fred Rogers

By: MrFixIt

MrFixIt — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 03:51:44 +0000

I have a kid in 3rd, one in 7th and one in 10th. We have told them all about it because there doesn’t seem to be any way to shelter them from the news and from discussions that will come up with their friends. I found the article below and the Mr. Rogers quote that inspired it to be the most effective way to explain this to my kids even with their wide difference in age. We discussed “the helpers” with all of them individually. It really helped them cope with the horror of the whole thing and it was interesting to see how, based on their maturity level and temperament, each one processed the idea of helpers. The youngest processed it in a very simple way and it worked for him because it changed his focus. The oldest really thought through what it means to be a hero and how she and her friends/teachers would react in a situation like that, and that was helpful and empowering to her.

Anyway, here is the link….. It’s a beautiful piece…..

http://www.thefrisky.com/2012-12-17/an-open-letter-to-the-helpers/

By: brianc

brianc — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 02:41:26 +0000

“I hope school systems don’t start normalizing security and surveillance to our youth by requiring armed guards and metal detectors at elementary schools. ”

Not sure why this would be a problem, especially an armed officer. Leaving aside how effective it might be in preventing mass shootings, there could be other reasons to justify it, like parents with custody issues causing disturbances, etc. As for normalizing security and surveillance, that, unfortunately, is the reality of America now.

By: jbgotcha

jbgotcha — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 22:05:54 +0000

I just hope that people stay vigilant and don’t hand over their rights because of fear. I’m not talking about gun rights by the way, but civil liberties I hope school systems don’t start normalizing security and surveillance to our youth by requiring armed guards and metal detectors at elementary schools. Give it some time and let the fear subside. The community affected will take a long time to heal, but we don’t need a bunch of local politicians and administrators coming up with knee jerk reactions to this tragedy.

By: Decaturmom

Decaturmom — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 20:31:55 +0000

My fifth grader came home grumbling that a boy at the next lunch table inflated his empty chip bag at lunch and then popped it – loudly. According to him, the teacher overreacted and everyone in the vicinity got sentenced to silent lunch tomorrow. I explained to him that generating a loud ‘bang’ at school this week was a terrible idea, and that many teachers are sad, preoccupied, and a bit on edge, and more likely to overreact. I told him to be understanding, that a break was coming that would do everyone good, and to take his book to lunch tomorrow.