January 21, 2022
Dear Florence Roche Families,
This week our school community experienced an unthinkable tragedy. The sudden death of a student is an event we do not expect or plan for. I am proud of the way our district and school staff pulled together to support our students and each other. On Wednesday, a team of counselors from across the district were present in our building for whatever we needed. Students needing support were cared for in a private and thoughtful way. As a school, we are supporting all students by keeping to our “normal” routines. Keeping students engaged in meaningful work in the company of caring adults is how we will best support them.
Thank you to the many parents who have reached out with offers to provide support for our students and staff. We appreciate your compassion.
You know your child best and will be the one he or she looks to for support with questions about death and grief. Here are some resources for you to support these discussions. In addition, if you feel your child is having a difficult time at home and needs grief support in school, please email one of our counselors.
(Maureen Cahill, mcahill@gdrsd.org)
(Shawn Dutcher, sdutcher@gdrsd.org)
Books to Help Children Understand and Cope with Grief
Children's Understanding of Death and Dying
Parents and guardians are invited to a virtual Parent Education Session on loss and grief with Kristin Kowalski, School and Community Outreach Grief Specialist from CareDimensions next Wednesday, January 26th, 11am-12pm and 7:00pm-8:00pm. Families are welcome to attend either session, or both. The link to the session will be sent out next week.
Best regards,
Brian