Response to a Tragic Event
When tragedy occurs on a school campus, students and adults will go through the five stages of grief – each in their own way. In a time of tragedy, it is important for your school community to pull together, foster dialogue designed to help process the event, and create organized support systems.
The following resources have been used by schools in response to the death of a school community member, campus violence, natural disaster devastation, and substance abuse issues, amongst other things. We strongly recommend you contact local agencies and licensed professionals who specialize in the specific area of your response needs.
Featured Resources
Exclusive Resources for Dealing with a Tragic Event
Video-based lesson with discussion prompts showing members of the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education share warning signs of suicide. Contains dialogue related to suicide.
Harbor Episode – Austin Eubanks
Video-based lesson with discussion prompts featuring a survivor of the Columbine High School shooting, sharing his personal journey with substance addiction following the trauma of school violence. Contains dialogue related to gun violence, school shooting, suicidal ideations, and substance abuse.
Harbor Episode – Substance Abuse
Video-based lesson with discussion prompts exploring the reasons why people use substances to cope. Contains dialogue related to gun violence, school shooting, suicidal ideations, and substance abuse.
Harbor Episode – Darius Glover
Video-based lesson with discussion prompts focused on finding inner strength to overcome personal loss and physical disability.
Harbor Episode – Consent
Video-based lesson with discussion prompts utilizing slam poetry to explore the topic of consent and its complexities. Contains dialogue related to consensual contact.
Curriculum Lesson – Coping Strategies
A classroom lesson plan utilizing gamification activities to introduce various forms of coping strategies for varying types of stressors.
Curriculum Lesson – Navigating Difficult Conversations
A classroom lesson plan assisting in preparation for navigating delicate communications.
Jostens Renaissance Virtual Conference Breakout – Leading in Times of Turmoil
Video on Demand coaching school leaders on preparing for and responding to moments of crisis.
Jostens Renaissance Virtual Conference Breakout – Mental Health
Video on Demand discussing how mental health can manifest in young men through a personal testimony by a high school administrator from Oregon.
Jostens Renaissance Virtual Conference Breakout – Therapy Dogs
Video on Demand of a Colorado Superintendent of Schools sharing his history with the use of therapy dogs in his schools.
Idea Exchange – Just Checking In Cards
Best practice for creating an organized system for students to support one another.
Jostens Renaissance Store – Can We Talk Cards
Use these cards to create a fun and private way for students to let you know they need a conversation.
Courageous Conversations – Mental Health
Watch this episode for insights and tips for making mental health an intentional priority every day.
Courageous Conversations – Physical Fitness and Wellbeing
In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Dwight shares his wellbeing journey and shows us the connection between physical and mental wellness.
Courageous Conversations – Relationships
Dr. Farah Ortega-Choate shares the impact prioritizing relationships has had on her as educator and as a person.
Courageous Conversations – Self Care
In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Sara shares simple, yet impactful, tips for making our wellbeing a priority.
Courageous Conversations – Mental Wellness
In this episode of Courageous Conversations, a few brave young people offer a peak inside their own mental wellness struggles and coping strategies.
Courageous Conversations – Preparing for Life’s Transitions
In this episode of Courageous Conversations, a handful of young adults discuss their emotions and mindset as they face some big life transitions on the horizon.