Superintendent Dardenne said school social worker Maria Maloney has been "terrific from day 1 after the storm" and "has really carved out her wealth to the community by what she's done."
Monson School District Social Worker Maria D. MaloneyMONSON - Thanks to a $4,000 grant, the school district's social worker has been available this summer to talk to students and residents about feelings they may be experiencing in the aftermath of the June 1 tornado.
Social worker Maria D. Maloney said she has done a lot of supportive counseling, and also helped parents with problem-solving strategies.
The majority of students coming in to see her are elementary school-age who are frightened that another tornado will happen, or who are still grieving over the loss of their home and belongings.
Monson was one of the hardest hit communities in the tornado's 39-mile path, and its destruction is evident two months later, as the downtown and other parts of town are still marked by damaged houses and buildings and downed trees. Numerous homes were reduced to piles of rubble.
She said those having the most difficult time may have experienced another trauma in recent months, such as the death of a relative. She said it helps them them to talk about it, and to relive the day of the tornado. A lot focus on the "train noise" that they heard as the tornado whipped through the town.
"It's very important that children be able to tell their story . . . That way they can work it out," Maloney said.
There are also techniques parents can use to distract their children if another storm comes through - such as making a "busy box" featuring activities like games.
"That's a way to distract them when the weather is inclement," Maloney said.
It's also important for parents to keep the same routines, including bedtime rituals, such as reading or music, and to be sure to reassure their children, and to find out what their fears are. One young boy told Maloney he was worried he would be forgotten about because there is a new baby in their home. That was a fear his mother didn't know he had, because he hadn't expressed it at home, Maloney said.
Most children have visited with her two to four times. She estimates that she's seen 20 families since the tornado. Parents may notice that their younger children are more "clingy" and anxious, are afraid to be alone, or cannot sleep, and that older children may be "acting out" because they are angry over what happened.
"I think parents should feel comfortable about bringing their kids here," Maloney said.
Signs that adults may be having difficulty coping with the tornado are lack of motivation to go to work, to shower, or to eat.
She gives parents basic materials about trauma provided by The National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
"Families don't have to have been directly impacted. (Children) may see the way downtown looks and it may be very frightening for them," Maloney said.
She encourages parents to have their children play outside, to have them play with their friends. She tells children to talk to their parents about their feelings. Those who want to make an appointment with Maloney can call (413) 267-4150, ext. 1007.
Superintendent Patrice L. Dardenne said the grant was given to the Parent Teacher Student Association by the United Way of the Pioneer Valley to fund the social worker during the summer.
Dardenne said Maloney has been "terrific from day 1 after the storm" and "has really carved out her wealth to the community by what she's done." Dardenne said counseling and support will continue to be provided to students once they return to school on Aug. 30.