September 11, 2001   

To: District Superintendents
Superintendents of Public and Nonpublic Schools
 

From: Richard P. Mills 

Subject: Advisory: Please distribute to superintendents and other school officials  

This is my second note to you today. We must give our students as much of a sense of stability as we can. That is why it is important that schools stay open where possible and that schools that are closed reopen as soon as possible. 

The following attachments -- in addition to the information I sent to you earlier -- make suggestions about how to cope in the days to come. I am sure you have thought about many of them, and I assure you of our support for your efforts.  

The days ahead will be difficult and trying. I am confident that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to help students and staff with the problems that will arise in your communities. 

I have faith in your efforts and I am committed to help you in any way I can. All State agencies are coordinating response efforts.   


SECOND ADVISORY FOR SCHOOLS 
 
 In the days following the tragic events of Tuesday morning, schools will face a need to deal with the immediate trauma experienced by children and school personnel as well as the need to begin to return the school to a normal routine. 
 
Some effects all schools are likely to need to address in these next days include: 

As you respond to these effects, we suggest you: 


Resources 

Many helpful resources are referenced in the document, Project SAVE: Guidance Document for School Safety Planning, pp. 61-92. This document and other helpful information is available on the following web sites:

You can also find a directory of county mental health agencies at
http://www.omh.state.ny.us/omhweb/aboutomh/county_svcs.html

In Nassau County you may contact a special hotline at (516) 504-HELP (4357).