Resources for Challenging Conversations
When tragedy strikes or challenging topics are brought up, parent, guardians, and educators sometimes struggle to find the "right" way to talk with their children/students. To help us all navigate these conversations, please find a variety of resources below.
Please know that these are resources from outside organizations. The presence of these links does not imply Middletown Public Schools (MPS) endorses or supports these outside organizations' missions, visions, or core values.
We will continue to add to the resources available here.
Relatedly, Middletown Public Schools (MPS) has adopted The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System which allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someone who may hurt themselves or others. Below, you'll find instructions on how to submit a tip; however, if you or someone you know is in imminent danger, please call 911 immediately.
National Hotlines
Sexual Assault and/or Abuse: If you or someone close to you has been a victim of sexual assault or abuse, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. Online chat is also available here: https://www.rainn.org/resources
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone close to you is having suicidal thoughts, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Also accessible here: https://988lifeline.org
General Resources for Educators and Parents
Common Sense Media - Parents' Ultimate Guides to Social Media Platforms
Facing History and Ourselves – Fostering Civil Discourse: How Do We Talk About Issues That Matter
Judy Pace – Teaching Controversial Issues: A Framework for Reflective Practice
Street Law – Classroom Deliberations
Constitutional Rights Foundation – Conducting a Civil Conversation in the Classroom
Anti-Defamation League - https://www.adl.org/families-and-educators
Department of Justice - https://www.justice.gov/crs/highlight/preventing-bias-hate-in-school