August 22, 2024
To Our Columbus Elementary School Family:
I am writing with a heavy heart following the tragic developments in the passing of our beloved Principal Elizabeth Gerling. The news of the circumstances surrounding her death is both shocking and deeply heartbreaking. Our continued thoughts and deepest condolences remain with her family during this unimaginably difficult time.
As we process this devastating news as a school community, I want to assure you that our primary focus is supporting our Columbus Elementary students. We understand that this news will be extremely challenging for them to hear and, for many, very difficult to understand and process. Our staff is prepared to provide any necessary emotional support and guidance to help our students navigate these complex emotions.
In the coming days, we will share details about a public memorial to honor Ms. Gerling. As we approach the new school year, we face the challenge of balancing our grief with the needs of our students. While our staff and district continue to mourn, we are committed to providing our children with a structured, positive, and supportive environment. We believe Ms. Gerling would have wanted us to welcome students back with enthusiasm and care. Her unwavering dedication to education and student well-being will continue to guide and inspire our work at Columbus Elementary.
Given the nature of this tragedy, we anticipate significant media attention in the coming days and weeks. We ask that you be mindful of this and take steps to protect your family's privacy and well-being. Please monitor your children's exposure to news and social media and be prepared to address any questions or concerns they may have.
We understand that during challenging times like this, it can be hard to find the right words, especially when speaking with children about death.
To assist you in these difficult conversations, we would like to offer some resources:
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This article from Today's Parent provides guidance on how to speak to children of different ages about death.
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The National Alliance for Children's Grief offers numerous resources on how to approach this sensitive topic.
- The American Psychological Association, in collaboration with Sesame Workshop, has developed resources to help caregivers support children as they navigate the grieving process.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need additional support or have any questions. Our school counselors and staff are here to help both you and your children during this challenging time—we all must take care of ourselves and each other. Grief can be overwhelming, and it's important to acknowledge and address your own emotional needs as well as those of your children. Don't hesitate to reach out for support if you need it.
Together, we will honor Ms. Gerling's memory by continuing to foster the caring, supportive community she helped build at Columbus Elementary.
With deepest sympathy,