Seattle Public School issued the following announcement.
As we draw closer to Election Day, some students may be feeling excited or sad or even afraid about the presidential election results. It is normal to have a wide range of emotions prior to and after an election.
Issues that disproportionally affect many of us, specifically communities of color, have been hotly debated during this election season. This has made many people, including our students, feel apprehensive about our future as a nation and community.
While we can't predict what will happen next week, what I can promise is that the election results won't change our values in Seattle Public Schools. No matter who wins or loses the election, our commitments will remain the same. We will continue our work to unapologetically support students of color who are furthest from educational justice, beginning with Black boys and teens. We will continue our work to provide culturally responsive instruction and create school communities where all students, families, and staff are safe, respected, and engaged. Read more about Seattle Excellence, the SPS strategic plan.
To support educators, earlier this week schools received guidance on how to navigate conversations about the election results and help students develop critical thinking skills and their own ideas. We expect all students to be treated positively and with respect without fear of bullying or intimidation. Bias and discrimination of any type won't be tolerated.
I also want to provide support for families and students at home. I know these times are stressful.
Below are helpful techniques we can all practice, provided by the district's Coordinated Health School team:
- Stay present in the moment. Focus on what you can control and can't control. Practice mindfulness activities and avoid predicting future events.
- Limit consumption of news and social media outlets. Set family limits and media boundaries. Turn off notifications on your device.
- Distract yourself and your children with meaningful activities and make them part of your family routine and a priority.
- Ask for help when you or your child needs it. Check-in with yourself and gauge your level of stress. Gain support from a trusted family member or friend. Consider connecting to a health professional if needed. The district has compiled mental health and wellness supports on our Health and Wellness webpage.
Resources for Parents and Students
- Common Sense Media
- 17 Tips to Steer Kids of All Ages Through the Political Season with K-5, MS, HS resources
- 30 second video: 5 Thing To Tell Your Kids About the Election
- Greater Good Berkeley Eight Questions That Can Help You Survive Election Stress
- Psychology Today How to Keep Election Stress for Wearing You Down
- American Psychological Association 2020 Presidential Election a Source of Significant Stress for More Americans than 2016 Presidential Race
- Very Well Mind Amidst Pandemic, Election Stress is at an All-time High
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