PUSD administrative building (Photo – Staff)
As Pasadena Public schools are monitoring campuses today to ensure that kids have appropriate ways to express their anxieties, Superintendent Brian McDonald sent the following statement:
It is unfortunate that we are experiencing unrest in our nation’s capital about the results of the Presidential election. We hope that the situation will stabilize quickly.
As our country processes these events, we encourage kids to talk to teachers, counselors, and staff about any anxieties or concerns. The District is providing additional support to those who need it.
Our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our students, families, and staff. In keeping with our mission and vision, PUSD schools will continue to serve as the anchors of our neighborhoods where all students and their families are welcomed, valued, and supported.
Distance learning will continue with normal schedules and services to provide an environment of calm and routine for our students. Our primary responsibility is and continues to be to care for children so that they learn and thrive. Children may be experiencing a variety of feelings as a result of today’s events and the issues that were brought up during the election
Our PUSD community is united by a common goal: to provide a caring, engaging, and challenging educational experience for every student, every day. We are committed to preparing our students to be civically engaged, resilient, and productive citizens of the 21st century. We will continue to collaborate with each other and our partners.
PUSD’s Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Clinical Social Work teams are available to schools to support students. Please contact Lara Choulakian, Manager of Mental Health, at (626) 396-3600 x 88233 or at choulakian.lara@pusd.us should you need further support.
We will keep you informed as events develop.
Sincerely,
Brian McDonald, Ed.D
Superintendent
Information from PUSD’s Student Wellness and Support Department:
The most important thing that we as educators and parents can do with kids is to help children through this period of heightened anxiety:
- Have honest and open conversations that are appropriate for the child’s age. Give kids an opportunity to talk about what is making them anxious. One way is for them to write in a journal.
- Be mindful that parents can project their anxieties to children; kids will take their cue from the way you react.
- Reassure children that they are valued and safe and that it is the adults’ job to keep them safe.
- Continue with the normal, structured routine. Children need the reassurance of calm, safe routines during times of heightened anxiety. Have conversations, and show them that life goes on by continuing with your family’s routine.
PUSD’s Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Clinical Social Work teams are available to schools to support students.
Contact Lara Choulakian, Manager of Mental Health at (626) 396-3600 x 88233 or at choulakian.lara@pusd.us should you need further support.
Support is available for PUSD employees through the Employee Assistance Program, which provides PUSD employees with 24-hour access to advice for dealing with stress and/or anxiety. The LA County Dept. of Mental Health has also created a new Wellbeing Line as a resource specifically for teachers and school staff continuing to work during the pandemic.
School personnel experiencing unique challenges as they continue to serve youth in LA County are encouraged to call if they feel like they could use someone to talk to:
- Work through their own stress.
- Process student wellbeing needs and challenges .
- Find wellbeing and mental health resources for themselves and others.
- The Wellbeing Line is staffed with trained listeners 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm. The number to call is: 833-307-0509.
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