Dear Austin ISD Community,
We would like to acknowledge the pain the Austin ISD community is feeling due to the terrorism and heinous violence in Israel and Palestine.
We know that students and staff will need time and space to process these events, both inside and outside the classroom. We want to reassure you that The Office of Teaching, Learning, and Leading provided resources to Austin ISD counselors and educators with guidance for talking with students and helping them discuss these painful events. Below are some helpful things to keep in mind from the Anti-defamation League as you approach these conversations:
- Before talking with children or teens, make sure you feel prepared to discuss the incident and/or topic.
- Treat all young people’s questions with respect and seriousness.
- Answer questions as clearly and honestly as you can and use simple language in terms they can understand.
- Young people often struggle to understand why these incidents take place and what motivates people who perpetrate these crimes.
- Be alert for signs of distress in children.
- Ask young people what they are hearing from friends, classmates and through social media.
- It is always very useful to highlight for children the people who helped the victims and their families during these incidents as well as those who supported them afterwards.
Our counselors and Licensed Mental Health Professionals are always available to support our students. You may also contact one of our many community partners that provide grief services.
We are also aware of the nationwide concerns that are spreading on social media. We are working in close collaboration with law enforcement at multiple levels to monitor and respond to any credible information.
Our district is proud to be the largest No Place for Hate district in the nation. We engage in intentional work to create inclusive environments where students and staff feel safe and welcome, no matter their beliefs, cultures, or identity. Discrimination, prejudice and hatred have no place in our schools or communities.
Matias Segura, MBA, PE Interim Superintendent Austin ISD