January 11, 2019
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We want to reach out about the upcoming anniversary of the loss of one of our students, Emma Daley, who passed away on January 29, 2018. We have been providing ongoing support to students and staff impacted by Emma’s death. We want to share our approach to this anniversary, which we know will be challenging for some members of our school community.
As the anniversary nears we might expect that some students impacted by this loss may struggle in a variety of ways, including reduced engagement, difficulty with concentration, increased sadness, and anxiety. In anticipation of the emotional challenges that may accompany the anniversary, our School Counselor and Social Workers continue to collaborate with experts in the field of grief, which assists us in supporting our community most effectively.
As always, our students will have access to our School Counselor and Social Workers as needed. In addition, we will be creating an opportunity on January 29 for students who would benefit from increased support to come together to recognize this shared loss. Our School Counselor and Social Workers will facilitate this process.
You are our best guide to your children’s needs; we value your essential insight and observations. If you have questions or concerns about how your child is processing this loss given the upcoming anniversary, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. In addition, the following resources are available to you and your families:
Center For Grieving Children: 775-5216
24 Hour CRISIS Support: 774-HELP
As we navigate this challenging time, it is important to remember the value of modeling calm, being open to conversation, and creating a space for your children to express their emotions safely. Thank you for partnering with us to support your children.
Sincerely,
Joan Adler and Tom McDowell
HMS Administrative Team