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Hello Clipper Family: We are so grateful to the community for the support being provided and the opportunities given for our scholars to process through this difficult time. I am writing this evening to provide a few updates on support for students, family resources and school updates. Support for Students: We will continue to have additional counseling staff available at school throughout the week to support all students and staff as we all process this difficult event. With that we know that students are different places in regards to their emotional processing and attendance to school and classes. Reach out to your student’s guidance counselor, adjustment counselor or assistant principal for any assistance needed for your student and family. We will assist with resources and support. Family Resources: In that regard I want to share some resources (below) for families: Reactions to Highly Stressful or Potentially Traumatic Events; Practicing Self-Care After Traumatic Events Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers; Parent Tips for Helping Adolescents after Disasters These resources are helpful tools in talking with and supporting students. That said, these challenges present parents, families and mentors with unexpected questions and circumstances. Our staff are here to support you. Please reach out as needed. Additionally, grief support is also available for the larger community through Falmouth Human Services and Sharing Kindness. We are in consult with the Riverside Trauma Center and will continue to explore ways to best support families and students in this difficult time. School Updates: Memorial Garden Ceremony: After deep consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the ceremony scheduled for Thursday, May 22. It is important the family have time for the observances that will take place next week, and we do not want a school ceremony to take place prior. The Memorial Garden provides a place for remembrance of those who passed while attending Falmouth High. Though there will not be a ceremony our students will be planting flowers that will be in place for anyone who would like to come throughout the weekend for remembrances of those honored. Senior Finals: Teachers and students have been seeking guidance regarding how we will proceed with Senior Finals scheduled for next week. Based on input from students, discussion with teachers and advice of department heads, final exams will not be required for any member of the Senior Class. With that we are providing the following guidance in regards to Senior Fourth Quarter and Final Grades. I want to compliment our teachers and guidance counselors for their thoughtful consideration. The spirit of their input was best expressed by Dr. McAuley, “We have a unique opportunity as adults to model grace. Our students are not going to remember their finals. They will remember the support their school gave them.” Please continue to reach out as you have questions, concerns or needs. Take care of yourselves and take care of each other. We will continue to do our best to provide support and will never stop believing in you, Dr. Harris (fb)