Dougy Center staff member, Joan Schweizer Hoff, joins Jana to talk about the top 5 things school administrators will want to consider when a student, teacher, or staff member dies.
Top 5 Things:
Delivering the news - How do you let the community know? What do you say/not say? The first days back at school - Suggestions for supportive activities. Memorial activities - What types of memorials do schools consider? Is it better to do something temporary or permanent? Identifying students who need additional help - Why it’s important to pay attention to all students, not just those close to the person who died. Ongoing support - What can your school do in the short and long-term to be helpful to students and staff?Additional resources:
Supporting the Grieving Student - DVD -
For samples of letters to send to staff/families and a school crisis response plan:
When Death Impacts Your School - A guide for school administrators
Tangible suggestions for teachers:
Helping the Grieving Student - a Guide for Teachers