[CabotCommunity] Important information from Cabot School Regarding September 11th

[Jo Doherty]

The PTO has been asked to distribute this email on behalf of Cabot's
Principal, Dr. Marilynne Quarcoo.  

 

Friday, September 8, 2006

 

Dear Parents and Guardians of our Children,

 

            While approaching the fifth anniversary of the terrible events
on September 11, we in the Newton Schools have thought deeply about the sort
of remembrance that would be appropriate for children of various ages. Most
of all, we don't want to frighten our students.  On the other hand, we feel
some obligation to help our older students realize its significance in our
nation's history.  And, not surprisingly, different faculties in our many
schools have had different ideas about the best way to handle this dilemma.

 

            Consequently, what we have decided to do is to share guidelines,
rather than one definitive system-wide policy, for school observations of
this historic day.  In his opening day address, Superintendent Jeff Young
noted, teachers will need to be thoughtful about the needs of students who
have seen frightening pictures on television or even have suffered the loss
of a relative on 9/11.  With our youngest children, questions may come that
need a sensitive response, probably best handled in a quiet talk with their
own  teacher -- and later with their families.  For our older elementary
students, as well as those in our secondary schools, we would like teachers
to take some time to help the kids process the magnitude of this sorry date
in history. Of course, we will need to be sensitive to the developmental
needs of students, making sure discussions are age-appropriate, motivated by
a desire to educate as well as to foster feelings of safety.  

 

            One message we hope to communicate to children in all of our
schools is that, while September 11, 2001, was a day of great loss for
America, it also inspired a new appreciation for our county and its values.
Principals and/or teachers may relay this message while leading into a
moment of reflective silence or the traditional salute to the flag.  We hope
they will note Americans' strongly held belief in freedom and fairness -- or
liberty and justice -- for all people.  The familiarity of these words
should give the pledge even greater meaning as we remember this dramatic day
in our country's history and should reassure our young people that even
extreme acts of violence have not been able to shake our commitment to these
values.

 

            Obviously, you will want to talk with your children about all of
these issues as well. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us.

 

            At Cabot School we will join the district in noting a moment of
silence. In the primary grades (k-2), classes are asked to pause for a
moment to think about how to love in peace, in our schools, homes, and
community. At the older grades (3-5) teachers will use morning discussions
or some other grade appropriate structure to reflect on this theme
recognizing that some students may bring up the events of September 11,
2001.

 

             We have provided all teachers with resource information as well
as lists of students and families who may be more vulnerable to discussions
about any tragic or sad event. Since current events are very much a part of
the grade 3-5 curriculum, we know they will be exposed to some information.
We will operate as we have in the past with a sensitivity and
appropriateness.

 

            You have received an email from our school psychologist that
provides you with additional information. Please accept my apologies for not
providing one email with all this information.

 

 
Sincerely,

 

 
Marilynne Smith Quarcoo, Ph. D

 
Principal

 

 
Brenda Keegan, Ph.D.

 
Assistant Superintendent of Schools

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Jo Doherty

Cabot PTO Co-President

11 Leonard Avenue,

West Newton, MA 02465

617-332-1530

jcdoherty11 at comcast.net

 

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