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These procedures
provide a general overview. Factors such as the time when school
officials learn of the death, the manner and location of the fatality,
and other circumstances may require adaptation.
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The Board
Office should be notified of the circumstances. The Board Office will
be requested to identify a person to handle press inquiries and to
solicit assistance from district personnel in the event help is needed
to maintain order, provide counseling, or handle other details.
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Faculty
notification: Faculty members who currently teach the student will be
notified privately before any general announcement. General faculty
notice will be provided by either a memo placed in teacher’s mailboxes
overnight, or via a short faculty meeting. Should a death occur
during the school day either at or away from school, this may not be
possible. Faculty members will be advised to look for signs of
grieving, and to send such students to the guidance office.
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Student
notification: Siblings would be notified privately before any general
announcement. If deemed appropriate by the administrator in charge, a
general school announcement will be made, including a request for a
moment of silence. Students concerned about the deceased, or troubled
by the news should be advised to report to the guidance department.
The degree to which this is announced on the PA should reflect the
circumstances of the death and a consideration of the recent history
of the school.
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A team
composed of school counselors and administrators will monitor the
situation. Generally, the deceased student’s Assistant Principal and
counselor will coordinate with the family. Another Assistant
Principal and counselor will be designated to coordinate with grieving
students and to solicit help as needed.
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Grieving
students should be provided outlets for their grief. This can include
groups, sympathy cards, and artwork. The goal is to help these
students deal with their feelings and then return to normal lives. It
would not normally be necessary for grieving students to miss class
for more than one day. Students who appear to need additional support
will have their families notified. As needed grief counseling groups
may be needed. Suicide prevention procedures (procedures would be
applied as appropriate.
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