Chicago Public Schools sent a letter home to parents Tuesday saying that the “violent” Laquan McDonald video won’t be shown in schools but that CPS has developed “a special toolkit” for students to help process what they are seeing.
On Tuesday, Chicago Public Schools’ chief education officer wrote to parents to let them know the video would not be shown in schools.
“This footage is sure to raise many emotions among our children, and we want you to know that CPS will do everything possible to meet their needs,” Janice Jackson wrote in letters sent home with students.
“Even so, we know that many students will likely be discussing it and may be upset by its violent content.”
Jackson said CPS created a “special toolkit hat will help teachers talk to students about this incident in a sensitive and constructive way.”
CPS would not immediately describe those tools. As of late Tuesday, teachers and principals said they had not received any.
Later Tuesday, Jackson emailed principals and their bosses to let them know the video would be coming soon and urged them to call the CPS Student Safety Center with questions.
Students are not in school Wednesday and return Monday because of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Jackson also said school counselors would be available to speak with children, too.
“If you have any questions about how this situation will be handled in your child’s school, please contact your principal directly,” Jackson wrote.
