Death of a student

Hello...I was notified that one of our students (kindergartener) was killed in a car accident on the way to her Thanksgiving celebration. She was not in my K class, but I have students who went to pre-k with her. I don't know what to do to prepare for tomorrow. Has anyone had the unfortunate experience of having a young child pass during the school year? If so, can you share some insight :/ Thanks!

Re: Death of a student

I've only had to deal with this on the high school level, so I don't have advice for helping the little ones, but I wanted to say I'm so sorry. This is horrible. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

Re: Death of a student

I've never dealt with this, but I just wanted to say I'll be thinking of you. How awful.

Re: Death of a student

Thanks. I can't fathom how this could have happened. Here parents have minor injuries and her sister sustained substantial injuries, but she was the only one to pass in the accident. My principal sent out an email to the staff sharing that the students' families would be notified today so they could discuss/handle death in a way that best suits their families needs/beliefs. But, I don't think they're contacting the students in each k class, just hers. I don't want to be the one to confirm it tomorrow if a child/ parent asks. Grief counselors will be available and in specialists will be in the room to help the teacher cope.

It really sucks --thanks for the support.

Death of a student

I would definitely go in early tomorrow to speak to your principal. Maybe they can bring in a counselor to talk to your kids as well. I know that we have books about dealing with deaths available in our school, but kindergarten is SO young that honestly I don't know how much they will understand. I know that there is a book called Acorn Full of Memories about the passing of a loved one that is by the same author as The Kissing Hand.

Good luck tomorrow :(

Re: Death of a student

We had a 2nd grader killed in a drunk driving accident. It was in July so we were not in school at the time. Me and the other 2nd grade teacher called all the 2nd grade parents to tell them; but we were not sure how each parent wanted to deal with it. I teach in a catholic school, so we met as a community 2 days later for a memorial service, then that week there was a grief counselor at the school fir the kids. They did a bunch activities with the kids, parents and teachers. I'm so sorry for your loss. Though this 2nd grader was in the other class, I can tell you it affected me for a long time.....even after all these years I can say it was the most traumatic event of my life. Stay strong for your students, but don't hold your emotions in either.

Re: Death of a student

thank you, ladies. we had a faculty meeting this morning, grief counselors, the school network leader and superintendent visit. it was rough, but we stuck together and put on our brave faces for the children. it was hardest when one of my girls said, "why did she have to die?" all i could do to help her was hug her and say that sometimes there aren't any reasons as to why things happen. :( hopefully the rest of the week helps heal these children and their parents who were very close as well.

Death of a student

I was thinking of you today.

Death of a student

So sorry.

Re: Death of a student

Last year my student was killed in a fire. I am sure you heard of it. It was in Hempstead. It was during the blizzard in February. The social workers spoke to the class. I still miss him :(

Re: Death of a student

Sorry for your loss! What a sad situation!

Was the student from Brooklyn? Was the older sister paralyzed from the accident? If so.....I have a friend who knows the family well.