Children and adults can be deeply affected by images and knowledge of war. Given the Hamas attacks on Israeli citizens, many in our school communities will be deeply impacted by these events either directly through family connections or indirectly through exposure to the inhumane atrocities broadcast through news and social media. This crisis has brought about a wave of fear, uncertainty, and distress. It is paramount that our schools play a supportive role during this difficult time.

Our students will need reassurance that their school community is a place of peace and stability, and that the adults in their lives are working to support their well-being. Below are resources for educators, caregivers, school leaders, and education stakeholders to use as they navigate through and engage in conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, and to help ensure a safe and resilient school environment.

Table of Contents

• Resources for Educators
• Resources for Parents and Caregivers
• Resources Regarding Student Protests
• School Safety Resources
• Cybersecurity Resources
• Other Resources

Resources for Educators

When discussing traumatic current events in the classroom, it is crucial to create a safe and supportive environment for students. Educators should approach potentially traumatic topics with sensitivity, acknowledging the emotional impact it may have on children. Open and honest discussions, guided by age-appropriate language and content, can help students process their feelings, gain a deeper understanding of the situation, and foster empathy towards those affected. Below are resources for educators to help students navigate their emotions and gain a deeper understanding of their world.

• Fact Sheet: The U.S. Department of Education Announces New Tools to Tackle Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Related Forms of Discrimination and Bias
• New York Times Magazine: The Road to 1948
• Education Week: How Teachers Can Talk About Hard Things With Students
• National Association of School Psychologists: Supporting Youth Affected by the Violence in Israel and Gaza: Tips for Families and Educators
• American Psychological Association: Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of elementary school children
• American Psychological Association: Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of middle school children
• CASEL Guide to Schoolwide SEL: Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process of acquiring knowledge skills and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, and feel and show empathy for others.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Parents can help children process their feelings by encouraging questions, offering reassurance, and emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding. This will help foster a safe space for open dialogue. Creating a routine that includes self-care and limiting exposure to distressing media can also support children in managing their emotions during challenging times.

Conversation Starters

• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Talking to Children about War
• UNICEF: How to talk to your children about conflict and war
• Common Sense Media: Explaining the News to Our Kids
• Common Sense Media: How do I talk to my kids about violence in the news?

Online Safety

• Family Online Safety Institute: How to be a Good Digital Parent Toolkit
• Childwelfare.gov: Social Media Safety

Resources Regarding Student Protests

• EDSITEment!: Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, and the Power of Nonviolence 
• National Association of Secondary School Principals: Considerations for Principals When Students Are Planning an Organized Protest or Walkout
• Council of Chief State School Officers: Recommended Guidance on Student Walkouts

School Safety Resources

Keeping our school communities safe is of paramount importance. A safe learning environment fosters a sense of trust, allowing students to focus on their education and personal growth. It also promotes a positive school culture, enhances academic achievement, and supports the overall physical and emotional well-being of everyone involved. To ensure the safety of students and staff, schools can implement various measures. Additionally, maintaining strong partnerships with local law enforcement agencies and implementing comprehensive anti-bullying and mental health support programs can contribute to a safe and nurturing school environment.

• New York State Safe Schools Against Violence in Education
• New York State Center for School Safety
• Joint NYSED/NYS Police Letter on Swatting Incidents (March 31, 2023)
• New York State Dignity For All Students Act
• New York State Division of Human Rights
• “Seconds Count”
  The “Seconds Count” video was developed by the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services in partnership with the NYS School Safety Improvement Team to describe school emergency S.H.E.L.L. response procedures. Note that the video is intended for adults and should not be viewed by students.

   

Cybersecurity Resources

Ensuring the safety of schools from cyberattacks is crucial in today’s digital age and international events such as this could cause an increase in cyberattacks. Good cybersecurity hygiene protects sensitive student and staff data, prevents disruptions to learning, and safeguards the integrity of education systems. Therefore, schools should implement robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard against online attacks. Additionally, establishing partnerships with cybersecurity experts and conducting regular security audits can ensure that schools stay vigilant and prepared against potential cyberattacks.

• NYSED Cyber Hygiene Guidance for Schools (May 1, 2023)
• RIC OneRIC One is a Data Privacy and Security Service through which all twelve Regional Information Centers in New York State work as one to provide statewide technology leadership and innovative solutions.
  • K-12 Cybersecurity Planning: RIC One Recommendations and Tools
  • RIC One Video: Data Security for Educators
  • NYSED Law 2-d Data Protection and Planning
  • RIC One Ransomware Protections
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• Schoolsafety.gov/Cybersecurity
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  • Report: Partnering to Safeguard K-12 Organizations from Cybersecurity Threats
    Protecting Our Future: Partnering to Safeguard K-12 Organizations from Cybersecurity Threats reports on cybersecurity risks facing elementary and secondary schools and provides recommendations that include cybersecurity guidelines designed to help schools face these risks.
• USDE Fact Sheet: Cyber Safety Considerations for K-12 Schools and School Districts

Other Resources

• Statement from Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr., the Board of Regents, and Commissioner Betty A. Rosa on the Impact of the Israel-Palestinian Crisis on our Students