By KIMBERLY ACEVEDO
"We have observed that our children are more emotional lately," Long Beach Catholic School principal Ronnie Danca said. "They grieve harder, play harder, laugh harder and cry harder at the experiences that happen around them."
Some post-traumatic symptoms to be aware of in young children are signs of regression, nightmares, fear of separation, disruptive behavior, withdrawal, outbursts of anger, stomachaches and irritability, according to Dr. Bobby Newman, who is involved with school counseling. With the World Trade Center documentary watched by so many, Newman feels that it may have a greater impact on more students.
At the Long Beach Catholic School, children are encouraged to express their feelings, whether it be through talking, drawing or writing, Long Beach Catholic School counselor Sister Catherine Enterlin said. The children are coping and teachers encourage them to talk about their feelings, she said.
At the Long Beach elementary schools, psychologists, social workers, counselors and teachers have been working together to help children who may have a difficult time with the six-month anniversary of Sept. 11.
"We have all been on alert," East School principal Ronni Funk Reimen said. "Our psychologist, social worker and teachers have been looking, watching, keeping an eye out. "
Lido School principal Brenda Young believes the children are coping well. Some of the children even went to Magnolia pier on Monday to view the memorial lights tribute and talked about how wonderful it was, she said.
"We met with teachers and informed them that if they notice anything on Monday to know that our staff is available," Young said. The teachers have been prepared since September, Young said.
At West School, staff members have been on alert but they haven't had anything to be concerned with, officials said. "Six months later we are holding our own," West School principal Sandra Schneider said. "We are keeping our eyes and ears open."
At the middle school, student have celebrated monthly anniversaries on the eleventh by holding a moment of silence. Students discuss the events with their teachers within the classrooms. Many students have not spoken with school psychologists, Long Beach Middle School principal Joann Tom said.
At the high school, coping with the events in September has been different. Long Beach High School principal Neal Maffei Jr. said students spoke to guidance counselors and psychologists. Teachers have also been prepared for the students and have held discussions within the classrooms to help students cope.
"They don't seem to be overly upset about it," Maffei said. "They have coped well with it."
