Dear North Shore Parents, Faculty, and Community Members,

I write to you as both a concerned educator and parent this evening. Today, we witnessed a series of events at our nation’s Capitol that were disturbing and sad to watch. Let me be clear that this is not a political statement. It is one of concern for the children we share who will likely have questions about the images they will see in the media tonight. The entire text of my sentiments are here and hard copy of this communication can be found at this attachment:

Letter to Community-1-6-21 

Peaceful protests are at the core of our democracy. However, I condemn violence in any form and assert that it has no place in advancing the positions that any of us hold. In these unsettling times, it is so important that we recognize that our children will likely have many questions. In almost 30 years of working with children, I have learned that they will typically ask questions that they are ready to hear answers to. You should answer them with honesty and reassurance.  The American Psychological Association has published a link called, How to talk to children about difficult news and it is attached for your review and consideration: https://www.apa.org/topics/talking-children
The guiding principles note that you should guide these conversations and use the following guidance:

• Think about what to say
• Find out what they know
• Share your feelings with your child
• Tell the truth
• Reassure
• Always take care of yourself as well

Our counselors and mental health staff are available to support our students and staff tomorrow and we will prepare helpful resources for our teachers to utilize, if needed. We are also here to support you, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need help or have questions about how to support your children at home.
Our children will watch for our reactions and look to us for leadership and guidance. We live in a great nation, guided by laws and built on the promise of greatness for all and a sense of profound virtue. Today is a sad day for our nation, but I know that we can emerge stronger from this. Let us please focus on how we can use these events to not divide us further, but rather as a vehicle to bring us closer together. 

I will end this note as I always do. Stay healthy, be well, take good care of yourselves and notice the good. It is one of those days where it might be a little harder to see but know that there is always good to observe.

With my warmest regards always,

Dr. Peter Giarrizzo
Superintendent of Schools