Checklist for School Leaders: What to Do After a Traumatic Event

Whether it occurs nearby or across the country, a school tragedy can shake your entire community. When a violent event is in the news, a threat leads to a lockdown, or another form of trauma impacts your school or district, it can create strong feelings of fear, anxiety, and vulnerability for students, teachers, and staff, as well as parents and the broader community.

As a school leader, your understanding and support are key to helping your community process the trauma and return to normal. Sandy Hook Promise, a leader in school violence prevention, has compiled a valuable checklist of best practices to help guide the youth and adults through a healing process with sensitivity and compassion.