Web Extra: Witness to '98 Westside Middle School Shooting Offers Advice in Wake of Tragedy
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: December 14, 2012
Many people are looking for ways to cope with the terrible tragedy that occurred in Connecticut on Friday.
Dr. Karen Curtner, who was the principal at Westside Middle School in Jonesboro when two students shot and killed five people, had this to say about the issue:
...after experiencing a school shooting as the principal and a mother of two children myself, I offer these few words of advice:
There are no magic words to erase the hurt or fear from such a senseless act. There may never be a real answer to the question of "Why". During this time parents need to try to remain calm, open and supportive. Everyone involved will experience many different emotions and children need to be allowed to talk and express their emotions. Parents need to listen to their children and be honest when answering their questions in hopeful terms to rebuild their trust and faith together. Parents will reassure their children, if they have fears, by keeping them close and giving them extra hugs and kisses. My prayers are with all the victims, families and community.
Dr. Karen Curtner, who was the principal at Westside Middle School in Jonesboro when two students shot and killed five people, had this to say about the issue:
...after experiencing a school shooting as the principal and a mother of two children myself, I offer these few words of advice:
There are no magic words to erase the hurt or fear from such a senseless act. There may never be a real answer to the question of "Why". During this time parents need to try to remain calm, open and supportive. Everyone involved will experience many different emotions and children need to be allowed to talk and express their emotions. Parents need to listen to their children and be honest when answering their questions in hopeful terms to rebuild their trust and faith together. Parents will reassure their children, if they have fears, by keeping them close and giving them extra hugs and kisses. My prayers are with all the victims, families and community.
