How to support a student whose parent passed away (from teacher)

[Anonymous]

My husband passed away the summer (about 4 weeks before school started) my kids started 5th and 12th grades. I reached out to the school and explained what happened and I asked that they let me know if they noticed anything. My son's school (he was in a private middle school) had a meeting with all the teachers and discussed how they would support him. All of his teachers offered their condolences and one teacher (his science teacher) was designated as his mentor. Mr. Jones had lunch with my son (5th grade) once a week and encouraged him to talk. He also came out to my son's sports events and was just a good mentor for my son. He sent me an email every grading period letting me know things that they talked about (even if it was not something that caused him concern.... just to keep me informed). When I found a group grief program for my kids to go to, he encouraged my son who was initially relucant to just give it a try. He wasn't pushy or overbearing.... he was there and let it be known. The school as a whole did an excellent job supporting my son and by extension me and my other children. I am not sure if this is realistic to do in your case, but it sure helped us.

My daughter was in a public high school and it was her friends and "community" that offered more support than the school. She was a cheerleader and the girls and other parents really rallied around her.

Whatever you choose to do, my suggestion is that you communicate with the surviving parent and the school your intentions, and you act from your heart.

God Bless!

[Anonymous]

If you're in Fairfax County an the student is ill enough to miss that much school, could you connect her to Homebound? She would have private teachers at home until she is ready to return to school.