Effort to help local students cope with Connecticut tragedy

APPLETON - There's an effort locally to help young students cope with the tragedy.

Experts spoke with parents at Houdini Elementary School in Appleton Tuesday evening.

Principal Tiffany Frerks says the atmosphere at Houdini Elementary School in Appleton is subdued.

However she says for the younger kids, there's more confusion than anything.

"Our kindergarteners and first graders were very confused as to whether it was happening at a school right next door or is it going to happen at the school," Frerks explained.

That's why Frerks asked local psychologist Frank Cummings to talk with parents Tuesday night.

"They're aware of what's going on and I came here tonight to see what I can say and how I can comfort them," said parent John Ruzzicone.

"We know through research that kids respond in different ways to these kinds of tragedies," said Dr. Frank Cummings. "We need to give them an opportunity to express it and resolve it in healthy ways."

Cummings says some key tips for parents are to maintain calm when talking about the shooting.

He says it's also important to provide reassurance, observe the child's emotional state and ultimately, tell the truth.

"Be a heart with ears and do more listening than talking, and respond to the questions the kids give you in a developmentally appropriate way, don't give out too much information, just respond to their questions," Cummings said.

However he says the biggest thing for parents to do right now is to maintain a normal routine.

And Frerks hopes to continue that routine inside the school as well and let the students know they're in good hands.

"Our schools are safe and we're doing everything we can do to make it safe and that we will protect them," Frerks said.