A note to families and students went out Oct. 10 after the news of airstrikes elevated the conflict in Israel and the Gaza strip.

US Principal Minnie Lee wrote, “Processing the violence and loss is difficult, and we are keenly aware of how important it is for us to be present and supportive of our students and families.”

Noting that students have varied knowledge and understanding of both the history and current events in the region, Lee said that the school’s “primary goal is to listen and help students process their feelings if they arise at school and to be responsive to their needs.”

Conversations about the current event have taken place in classes, in hallways, and have taken to social media. For some, as Lee described, “what may be a conversation about current events for one student may feel very immediate and personal to another student in the room. We are committed to fostering respectful inquiry and searching dialogue in our classes while understanding our responsibility to help students understand these events on multiple levels.”

She cited Courageous Conversation protocols, counselors, and faculty as sources of support.