Current events unfolding in Ukraine may have a direct impact on many of our communities in Washington State, including students and families who have direct ties to Ukraine and Russia, as well as military-connected students and families. They can experience violence and loss directly, be exposed through extensive media and internet coverage, deal with the stress of parents who are deployed, or have relatives displaced by violence or oppression and become refugees.
Children’s natural resilience plays an important protective role, but trauma and extreme stress and anxiety can interfere with their learning and well-being. Families and educators can support children by establishing a sense of safety and security, helping them to process their thoughts and feelings, reinforcing their resilience and strengths, building positive connections within the school community, placing events in the proper context, and providing any needed mental health support.
WSASP recommends the following resources to support students, families, and communities who may be impacted by these recent events:
If you are in need of professional support or guidance, please reach out to WSASP by emailing president@wsasp.org.
