Dowell Elementary School in Lusby is mourning the death of a fifth grade student. Below is a letter that was sent home to parents after school staff was notified of the tragedy to help thier children cope with the death:

Dear Dowell Family, 
         
We were all saddened today by the death of one of our fifth grade students.

School psychologists and guidance counselors were present in our school today to assist the students and staff with the questions and grief which accompany a situation such as this.

Experiencing, witnessing, or even hearing of a traumatic incident may affect a child or adult in a variety of ways; therefore, it is very important that children be given ample opportunities to ask questions and to talk about their reactions.  For some students, a death of someone they know may remind them of some other loss in their lives.  For other children, this may be their first encounter with death.

When reacting to a traumatic incident, a child may display behaviors such as the following:
• Clings close to adults
• Displays regressive behaviors
• Appears not to be affected
• Thinks about it privately
• Asks a lot of questions
• Appears frightened
• Appears agitated and angry
• Appears sad and withdrawn
• Displays difficulty sleeping
• Stomach aches and/or headaches

We suggest that you listen to your children. It is important that you deal honestly and directly with their questions. Referring to death as going to sleep or passing away may result in confusion. It is appropriate that you use the word “death.” Should you have difficulty approaching the issue or if you would like additional information about talking to your children about death, we have material available at school. Below are some other suggestions that may be useful:
• Be a good listener. Listen carefully for any misconceptions or distortions your child may have.
• Be there. Spend extra time putting your child to bed. Talk and offer reassurance.
• Encourage your child to ask questions and to discuss, write, or draw pictures about their feelings.

Viewing and funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.   Once we have been informed about the arrangements, details will be sent out by our school email system (Lyris) and our school website. 

Thank you for your support during this difficult time. 

Sincerely,

Jennifer Young
Principal