Rick Nagel contributed to this report
Naperville School District 203 is offering some resources for talking points parents can use to discuss today's tragic events in Newtown, CT.
At least one gunman attacked a suburban Connecticut elementary school Friday, killing an estimated 26 people, including 20 children, law enforcement sources said.
The Chicago Tribune reports that an official identified the gunman as Adam Lanza, 20. Law enforcement was questioning Adam's 24-year-old brother Ryan Lanza, who was earlier mistakenly identified as the shooter. The boys' mother, Nancy Lanza, worked at the school as a teacher and is presumed dead, the Tribune reports.
Some reports place the number of dead at 30.
"We extend our sympathy to the families and community in Newtown, Connecticut for the tragic loss they are feeling and the fear that comes from such a senseless act," a statement on District 203's website reads. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the teachers, staff and administrators of the school who place the safety of their students above their own needs. We know all too well the pain a school and a community feels when violence take the lives of those we care about, especially children."
Administrators stressed the importance of parents keeping up with school information and resources like the TALK203 communication system in the event of an emergency.
Earlier this week, Steeple Run Elementary school in unincorporated Naperville was put on lockdown after shots were fired during a nearby burglary.
"When a lockdown is issued, parents are notified through the use of the District TALK203 communications system," the statement read. "It is important to keep your contact information up-to-date in Infinite Campus in order to receive these messages, which come in the form of an email, voicemail and text message."
District 203 offered tips to help children cope after a tragedy, which can also be found on the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
Here are some of the highlights:
Talk about the shooting with your child. Not talking about it can make the event even more threatening in your child’s mind. Silence suggests that what has occurred is too horrible even to speak about or that you do not know what has happened. With social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, text messages, newsbreaks on favorite radio and TV stations, and others), it is highly unlikely that children and teenagers have not heard about this. Chances are your child has heard about it, too.
Start by asking what your child/teen already has heard about the events from the media and from friends. Listen carefully; try to figure out what heor she knows or believes. As your child explains, listen for misinformation, misconceptions, and underlying fears or concerns. Understand that this information will change as more factsabout the shooting are known.
Gently correct inaccurate information. If your child/teen has inaccurate information ormisconceptions, take time to provide the correct information in simple, clear, age-appropriate language.
Encourage your child to ask questions, and answer those questions directly. Your child/teenmay have some difficult questions about the incident. For example, she may ask if it is possible that it could happen at your local school; she is probably really askingwhether it is “likely.” The concern about re-occurrence will be an issue for caregivers and children/teens alike. While it is important to discuss the likelihood of this risk, she is alsoasking if she is safe.
Do give any information you have on the help and support the victims and their families are receiving. Let her know that the person responsible isunder arrest and cannot hurt anyone else. Like adults, children/teens are better able to cope with a difficult situation when they have the facts about it. Having question-and-answer talks gives your child ongoing support as he or she begins to cope with the range of emotions stirred up by this tragedy.
Limit media exposure. Limit your child’s exposure to media images and sounds of theshooting, and do not allow your very young children to see or hear any TV/radio shooting-related messages. Even if they appear to be engrossed in play, children often are aware ofwhat you are watching on TV or listening to on the radio. What may not be upsetting to an adult may be very upsetting and confusing for a child. Limit your own exposure as well. Adults may become more distressed with nonstop exposure to media coverage of this shooting.
Be a positive role model. Consider sharing your feelings about the events with your child/teen, but at a level they can understand. You may express sadness and empathy for the victims and their families. You may share some worry, but it is important to also shareideas for coping with difficult situations like this tragedy. When you speak of the quick response by law enforcement and medical personnel to help the victims (and the heroic orgenerous efforts of ordinary citizens), you help your child/teen see that there can be good, even in the midst of such a horrific event.
Be patient. In times of stress, children/teens may have trouble with their behavior, concentration, and attention. While they may not openly ask for your guidance or support,they will want it. Adolescents who are seeking increased independence may have difficulty expressing their needs. Both children and teens will need a little extra patience, care, and love. (Be patient with yourself, too!)
Read more on Newtown Patch: