Dear Saint Paul Public Schools Staff,
Thank you for showing up for your students during this extremely difficult time. I know you are doing this while carrying your own concerns, fears and questions about what is happening in our community.
Last week, we only had one day of school due to the cold weather and so we could prepare for the temporary virtual learning option. I know that many of you have been working around the clock to make this transition possible for our students and families, and I want you to know that extra effort does not go unnoticed.
As we begin a new week, we are carrying the weight of another tragedy that unfolded in Minneapolis, marking the second time this month that a U.S. citizen and Minnesota resident was shot and killed by federal agents. None of this is normal, none of this is fair, and none of us need to pretend that it is.
Talking with Students
Our students, many of whom already endured the COVID-19 pandemic and other traumatic events, are facing even more stress and disruption as they try to make sense of what is happening. The fear, anger and sadness that we feel as adults also affects them, and may look different depending on a student’s age, disposition and life experience.
Our Office of School Support continues to update this list of resources for talking with students about current events in age-appropriate ways. Thank you for addressing these topics with your students with care and compassion, and for making space for open and honest dialogue. If you have any resources to add to this list, please share them here.
Taking Care of Yourself
It is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless about what is happening in our community right now. Please remember that all SPPS staff have access to free, confidential ComPsych Guidance Resources through the Employee Assistance Program. Staff also have access to The Light You Cast, a self-paced online course that aims to provide burnout prevention and protection.
Some additional ways to take care of your own mental health:
- Go on a social media “diet” and refrain from scrolling social media for 24 hours or longer
- Unplug and get outside (just 20 minutes a day has healing benefits)
- Calm your busy mind: Daily Suggestions for the month of January; subscribe to the monthly calendar HERE.
- Allow yourself to feel all your feelings and try this 5-minute practice from SPPS partner MoveMindfully
Please continue to lean on each other and your support networks, and communicate with your supervisor if you need additional support. More personal resources for SPPS staff are available in this document.
Thank you for being a valued member of our Saint Paul Public Schools community. I will continue to do all that I can to care for our students and staff and keep our schools safe.
With gratitude,
Dr. Stacie Stanley, Superintendent