Whether or not to use classroom time for a discussion of events
Some instructors feel that it is better to get on with a normal schedule, and let public events and opportunities for counseling provide the outlets for students who need them. It might be worthwhile to announce these resources at the start of a class period.
Counseling Resources
Monsour Counseling Center --- The Student Counseling Center is available for students who are experiencing grief, stress, or uncertainty about the future.
Faculty and Staff can get short term counseling through the PacifiCare Employee Assistance Program: 800-234-5465.
Leading a classroom discussion
You may be concerned about how to respond if students bring these events up in class, or how to bring up the topic yourself in class. Think ahead about the goals for a discussion like this, students' possible responses (both spoken and unspoken), and your roles in this discussion. Think ahead also about ways that you can prepare students for this discussion.
University of Michigan Center for Research on Learning and Teaching has some excellent suggestions and guidelines
From the Arizona State University Intergroup Relations Center, here are some Classroom Management Tools that are useful for a discussion setting.
Dealing with distressed students
Helping Different Types of Distressed Students, from the University of California at Santa Barbara.