January 7, 2021
Many of us have been impacted over the last few days about the news in our country and state. Many of us watched an unimaginable event take place yesterday on the screens of our phones, computers, and televisions. There is much unrest in our world today and the continuing impact of rising cases of COVID-19 may have intensified feelings of hopelessness, anger, anxiety, and depression in our own community.
The administrators, faculty and staff of the Bangor School Department are dedicated to supporting our local families. We have social workers, counselors, nurses, and teachers available to talk to students about their experiences. Both of these subjects are very political in nature but our strong sense of community unites us all no matter our political affiliation. Let us all reach out to help one another during these unprecedented times. I encourage families to reach out and call your loved one near and far and to reach out to friends and neighbors. We are stronger together.
Please know your local schools have resources you can access. School counselors and social workers are available. I would like to offer our resources page as a starting point. https://sites.google.com/bangorschools.net/bsdresourcepage/home
At times, we can all feel overwhelmed and anxious and need suggestions on ways to calm our bodies down. Everyone feels this way at some time and it is okay. Each of the pages contained on the Bangor School Department Resource page has different suggestions and activities to help with anxiety, frustrations, anger, etc. It is useful for all ages, Pre-K through Young Adult and provides phone numbers for additional assistance should you or a friend need it.
I have also included other resources that may be helpful to all ages in the links below.
https://www.lynnlyons.com/books-videos/
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/about/contact/hotlines
Maine’s Statewide Crisis Line: (888) 568-1112 (call or text)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (or online chat here)
National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Trevor Project LGBTQ Crisis Line: 1-866-488-7386 (online chat here or text TREVOR to 1-202-304-1200)
Desmond Tutu said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” There are points of light throughout Bangor and we will overcome any challenges set before us.
In Community,
Kathy Harris-Smedberg, Ph.D.
Interim Superintendent
Bangor School Department
