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Student Death- Counseling Resources

We at XXXXX are saddened by the death of XXXXX. XXXXX was a student in XXXXX.

Counselors visited the classrooms today to help our students cope with this sad news. These are the topics counselors and teachers discussed with students:

• What we know to be true: We have talked with the children about rumors and we have told the students the facts as we know them. It is important not to generate stories.
• Feelings: We reinforced that all feelings are appropriate. Many children are feeling sad and mad at the loss of their friend and schoolmate. Children may also feel scared that this could happen to them. All of these feelings are normal. It is important for us to explore these feelings and to accept them.
• Nightmares: Nightmares are a common occurrence and may be a result of things children have seen or heard. Reassure your child of your love and comfort them.
• What is death? Children have a difficult time understanding the concept of death. They need to know that death is part of life. Your personal beliefs can help clarify this confusing concept.
• Commemoration: Some students expressed interest in sending cards to the student’s family. This can be an important part of the grieving process and is encouraged for those students who wish to do so. Children are advised to discuss ways to remember a person who has died, with their families.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the school counselor office to speak with XXXXX at XXX-XXXX.

Thank you for your concern at this difficult time.

XXXXX

Principal

Editable Google Doc: Student Death- Counseling Resources

Suicide Resources

Student Death- General Announcement

The faculty and staff of XXXXX regret to inform you that on XXX 20XX, a tragic event occurred at location XXX, resulting in the death of XXXXX, one of our XXth graders. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family. Today in class, the teachers and XXXXX talked with the students about XXXXX and their feelings. Please be sensitive to any changes in your child’s behavior. Over the next few days, encourage your child to express his or her feelings and listen attentively.

It will be helpful to recognize the various steps we all go through in the grieving process: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Some of the common reactions that children experience when reacting to a traumatic event are:

• Restlessness, nervous behavior
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• “Clingy” behavior, fear of being alone
• Asking questions over and over again
• Remembering previous losses and events

If you have any concerns about your child’s reactions to this loss, feel free to contact your child’s teacher, the school counselors, or the administrative staff.

Thank you for your concern at this difficult time.

XXXXX

Principal

Editable Google Doc: Student Death- General Announcement

Student Death- Suicide

We are deeply saddened to learn of the reported suicide of XXXXX, one of our #th grade students. We encourage you to be sensitive to the impact this may have on your student and prepared to offer support to your child during this time.

We have asked XXXXX to help our school community to deal with this loss. We are doing everything that we can to help your child and our staff through this tragic experience.

It will be helpful to recognize the various steps that we all go through in the grieving process; denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. We have enclosed a handout on the warning signs of suicide for your information. You may also want to contact the XXXXX at XXX-XXX-XXXX if your family has any questions or concerns.

If you have any concerns about your child’s reactions to this loss, feel free to contact your child’s teacher, the school counselors, or the administrative staff.

Thank you for your concern at this difficult time.

XXXXX

Principal

Editable Google Doc: Student Death- Suicide

Suicide Resources

Student Death- Suicide Rumor

It is with great sadness that I share with you XXXXX, one of our #th grade students, has passed away. All of us want you to know that we are here to help in any way we can. The family has requested that information about the cause of death not be shared at this time.

We are aware that there has been some talk about the possibility that this was a suicide. Rumors may begin to circulate, and we ask that you not spread rumors since they may turn out to be inaccurate and can be deeply hurtful to XXXXX, as well as XXX family and friends. We’ll do our best to provide accurate information as it becomes available.

Each of us will react to XXXXX’s death in our own way, and we need to be respectful of each other. Feeling sad is a normal response to any loss. Some students may not have known XXXXX, very well and may not be as affected, while others may experience a great deal of sadness. Some may find they are having difficulty concentrating on schoolwork, and others may find that diving into work is a helpful distraction.

We have counselors available to help our school community deal with this sad loss. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the school counselor office to speak with XXXXX at XXX-XXXX.

Thank you for your concern at this difficult time.

XXXXX

Principal

Editable Google Doc: Student Death- Suicide Rumor

Suicide Resources

Student Death- Vehicle Accident

It is with deep sorrow that we are reporting the death of XXXXX, one of our XXX students, who was involved in a vehicle accident yesterday morning. XXXXX succumbed to XXX injuries last evening.

Our thoughts and prayers are with XXXXX and XXX family during this difficult time. We also offer condolences to all the XXXXX students and staff members, especially XXX classmates, teachers and support staff.

If you have any concerns about your child’s reactions to this loss, feel free to contact your child’s teacher, the school counselors, or the administrative staff.

Thank you for your concern and well wishes.

XXXXX

Principal

Editable Google Doc: Student Death- Vehicle Accident