Pasadena Unified Providing Support for Local Students Impacted by Wednesday’s Attack on Capitol

PUSD Superintendent Brian McDonald is encouraging local students to discuss the attack on the Capitol Building on Wednesday.

“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,” McDonald said. 

On Wednesday, Trump supporters forced their way into the building as Congress met to support President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory. Four people were killed. Twitter later locked President Trump’s Twitter account.
Congress reconvened Wednesday night and confirmed Biden’s victory.

“Children may be experiencing a variety of feelings as a result of [the] events and the issues that were brought up during the election,” McDonald said. “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.”

According to McDonald, schools are monitoring campuses today to ensure that kids have appropriate ways to express their anxieties.

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.

“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.” McDonald said.

McDonald said distance learning will continue with normal schedules and services to provide an environment of calm and routine for local students.”

 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.