Holding Our Community Close After Today’s Events in Minneapolis
Dear WHPS Families,
Our hearts are with those impacted by the tragic events in Minneapolis. I hesitate even to write that, because words can feel hollow in the face of such raw grief. I am weary of how often I’ve had to send notes like this. Each time, I feel both anger and sorrow—living in a country that is extraordinary in so many ways, and yet one where this kind of violence is far too common. My hope is that, as you read on, you’ll find a spirit of humility and compassion that helps us begin to process and move forward together.
At WHPS, our first priority is providing a safe and secure environment so children can learn and thrive. We take this responsibility to heart. As soon as we learned of this tragedy, we were in touch with our security partners, who have not advised us of any heightened or local threats. Even so, we remain on high alert. In the days and weeks ahead, as more details emerge, we will continue working with our security team and our local private school consortium to reflect, learn, and put into action any lessons that can further strengthen the safety and wellbeing of our community.
Even when tragedies happen relatively far away, they can stir up strong emotions here at home. Children—even very young ones—are always watching, listening, and learning, often in ways we don’t expect. Their worries may surface in different ways, such as:
Clinginess or separation worries (especially in younger children)
Disrupted sleep or new fears at bedtime
Physical symptoms like tummy aches or headaches
Trouble focusing at school or seeming more distracted
Irritability or quick frustration
For children who hear more details—whether from peers, the news, or other sources—this may also look like:
Repeated “what if” questions
Wanting to talk about the event often, or avoiding the topic altogether
In these moments, what helps most is our calm presence and steady reassurance. Parents sometimes wonder what to say, so here are a few simple examples that can help:
For Preschool / Early Elementary (ages 2–7):
“That happened far away, not here. You are safe at school and at home.”
“Your teachers and I talk every day to make sure you are safe.”
“There are lots of grown-ups—at school, at home, and in our neighborhood—who watch out for you all the time.”
For Older Elementary (ages 8–11):
“I know it’s scary to hear about, but schools like ours have strong safety plans. Teachers practice with you so everyone knows what to do.”
“There are many layers of protection—teachers, staff, security partners, even the way our campus is set up—to keep you safe every day.”
“If you ever hear something that makes you nervous, you can always tell me or your teacher right away so we can figure it out together.”
Often, children have less information than we imagine, and their questions may be simpler than we expect. What matters most is that they hear—through our words, tone, and actions—that they are safe, loved, and cared for by many dedicated adults.
We also know that this news can weigh heavily on parents. Please remember you are always welcome to stop by or reach out—whether to ask a question or simply spend a few moments together. Sometimes just being in community, even without all the answers, can be cathartic. That is part of the gift of a school like WHPS: being surrounded by people who share so many of the same values and hopes for children. For our Oxnard Campus families, Friday morning’s coffee is one more chance to pause, connect, and be together for a few moments (just as families did at Coffee & Catch Up at Collins this week).
For families who would like additional guidance, these resources may be helpful:
How to Talk to Your Child About School Shootings — Practical guidance from child psychologists, including an age-by-age guide.
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers — Suggestions, broken down by developmental stage, including preschool and elementary.
Helping Children Feel Grounded in a Complicated World — Our own reflections on talking with children about hard topics in ways that foster empathy and security.
As human beings, we cannot let ourselves grow numb to these moments. We have to let them touch us—sometimes by shedding tears, sometimes by holding our children a little closer, sometimes by naming aloud the grief we feel. And yet, we also have to summon the strength to move forward with compassion and resolve. We live in a country that is remarkable in so many ways, but this is not one of them. If we can carry both love for what is good and the determination to face what is broken, we will model for our children the honesty and hope they so desperately need.
With care and solidarity,
Seth Pozzi
Head of School
