School representatives, as well as church clergy, have done what they can in the past few days following the attack on the World Trade Center, Pentagon in Arlington, Va., and just outside of Pittsburgh to comfort and reassure children and parents alike.
By: Casha Caponegro
How do you explain the horrific images on television to children and still make them feel safe and secure?
Questions like this are being considered by parents, teachers and clergy who have received a barrage of inquiries by children who are frightened and confused in the aftermath of Tuesday’s terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C.
School representatives, as well as church clergy, have done what they can in the past few days following the attack on the World Trade Center, Pentagon in Arlington, Va., and just outside of Pittsburgh to comfort and reassure children and parents alike.
Chief School Administrator Robert Bartoletti said the most important issue following the attacks Tuesday morning was to account for the family members of students and faculty that may have been in the Manhattan area during the tragedy.
"We learned who had family members in that area," said Dr. Bartoletti. "About eight or nine families were not sure, as well as two faculty members. We created a list of those unaccounted for. By Wednesday morning we learned that all of these people were okay and safe."
Many concerned parents opted to pick up their children during the school day, which was permitted. According to Dr. Bartoletti, approximately 35 children went home between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
Dr. Bartoletti spoke to grades six through eight during lunch time on Tuesday to discuss the day’s events. Teachers of kindergarten through fifth grade, however, were reluctant to disclose too many details to their young students.
"They provided the appropriate information and tried to assure them of their safety and security," Dr. Bartoletti said. "The majority of this responsibility was left with parents."
Dr. Bartoletti met Tuesday afternoon with the school’s Crisis Committee, which comprises himself, Vice Principal Carol Malouf and the school’s psychologist, nurse, social worker and guidance counselors.
"We determined there could be the loss of students’ family members and developed a plan for that possibility," he said. "We also planned how to deal with student questions that would arise in the next few days."
At 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Dr. Bartoletti met with the school’s faculty in order to learn about the students’ responses to the day’s events.
Wednesday morning, the Crisis Committee provided teachers with two sets of guidelines for answering possible questions that may arise during the day, one for kindergarten through fifth grade and one for sixth through eighth grade.
The school selected certain periods throughout Wednesday for children in grades six through eight to talk about the issues.
"The Crisis Committee was available Wednesday for any youngster experiencing difficulties or wanting to talk," Dr. Bartoletti said. "Approximately nine youngsters met with counselors. None of the issues were unable to be handled."
The school also held a moment of silence Wednesday morning before Dr. Bartoletti led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Two letters were sent home with students Wednesday; one from Dr. Bartoletti and another from school psychologist Anne Bergeron.
Dr. Bartoletti’s letter informed parents of the Crisis Committee and the steps the school has taken to answer student questions and assure them of their safety.
Ms. Bergeron provided guidelines to parents to consider when discussing Tuesday’s attacks in front of young children. Most importantly, parents were told to reassure youngsters of their safety, keep the more gruesome details out of earshot and maintain everyday routines, which would provide "the essential knowledge that things will settle down, life will go on, and we will get through this safely."
Back to school night for kindergarten through fifth grade was to be held Thursday night as a means of maintaining a sense of normalcy within the school.
Next week’s back to school night for grades six through eight will be held Thursday.
"These nights will provide support groups for parents to talk with their neighbors and friends," said Dr. Bartoletti. "They also give the assurance that the school continues to function. We are taking a cue from the national government and trying to return back to our normal state of affairs. It is a slow process but we are trying to regain a sense of normalcy."
Cranbury’s churches also are reaching out to the community, using their influence to reassure people in this time of tragedy.
Two prayer services were held Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury and an inter-faith prayer service was to be held Thursday evening at the St. David the King R.C. Church in West Windsor.
The First Presbyterian Church will also be holding a prayer service at noon on Friday and an adult forum to discuss the tragedy and its effects on Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
"We are keeping the church open all day for prayer," the Rev. Dr. Louis Mitchell, of the First Presbyterian Church, said Wednesday. "Our pastoral staff is available to provide comfort and support to individuals and their families."
The Rev. Mitchell said the First Presbyterian Church was on call Tuesday to be a shelter for people who lived in New York City but worked in the area.
"I want to thank God for the safety of those we love and care for," said the Rev. Mitchell. "We must keep in prayer for those who have lost their loved ones and the workers who are still working to find those buried in the rubble."

