Finding positives in a difficult past

Deirdre Newman

Local schools are treating the anniversary of last year’s

terrorist attacks in a low-key manner and allowing individual

teachers to decide if and how to broach the topic.

From the Newport-Mesa Unified School District to religious schools

in the area, administrators say they recognize the delicate nature of

discussing such a traumatic event.

“We’ll focus on patriotism and love and caring for the community

on that date and not necessarily focus on the tragedy itself,” said

Jane Garland, school readiness facilitator for Newport-Mesa.

At 9:11 a.m. on Wednesday, the entire school district will observe

a moment of silence and then recite the Pledge of Allegiance. All

district flags will be flown at half-staff after the moment of

silence for the remainder of the day. The district is also

encouraging students to wear red, white and blue clothing and

symbols.

Corona del Mar and Newport Harbor high schools also will be having

assemblies focusing on the attacks.

Also, the district is distributing tips for teachers and making a

parent guide available in school offices. Some of the guidelines

include:

* start by checking in with children and listening to their

concerns

* talking about the memorial events can be a means to help

children better understand the world and can further the process of

healing and learning

* not all children will appear to be affected by these events,

and for some children, especially younger children, it may not be

appropriate to “force the issue” if they are not aware of or

concerned about the anniversary.

Psychologists, nurses and counselors will also be on hand to

assist with any grief needs.

Local religious schools will also mark the anniversary.

Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach, will hold a special

mass and service at 8:30 a.m. and then the students will release

white doves.

At St. Joachim School in Costa Mesa, students will participate in

a scripted prayer service that is open to the public at 9:15 a.m.