Avon Lake City Schools: News - Resource Information For Parents

Press release from the Avon Lake City Schools:

September 8, 2021

Dear Avon Lake Schools Families,

We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child as needed. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school community, especially our students.

The Avon Lake City Schools has a Crisis Intervention Team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this. We have counselors available at all of our schools for students and staff who may need or want help, or any type of assistance surrounding this loss. We also encourage our district families to feel free to use our resources.

Thank you for your support of our school system as we work together to cope with this tragic loss. Please observe your child closely over the next several days and weeks to watch for signs of distress, which may indicate a need for additional support and guidance. Be understanding and tolerant of common grief reactions which include: decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, a decreased ability to concentrate, increased sadness, and social withdrawal. Express your own feelings in an open, calm, and appropriate way that encourages students to share their feelings and grief.

A variety of feelings are normal. Be sensitive to each student’s experience, as there is no one right way to respond to a loss. Feelings and behaviors will vary across students and will change throughout the bereavement process. Please feel free to call your child’s principal if you have any concerns or questions regarding your child.

We have enclosed links to some information that may be useful to you in helping your child at home. If you see any indication that your child is struggling with this loss, would like additional information or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school counselor.

Complete Guide to Helping Children Cope With Grief
How to Help Your Child Navigate the Death of a Friend
Care for Caregivers: Tips for Families and Educators

Sincerely,
Bob Scott, Superintendent
Dr. Jack Dibee, Assistant Superintendent

This press release was produced by the Avon Lake City Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.