February 11, 2022
Dear Parents/Guardians,
It is with heavy hearts we share with you a loss to our school community. It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of one of our Mexia ISD students on February 10, 2022. Our intent is to make you aware in case your child hears about this from other students or in the community and has questions. At this time, we are limited in the details we can share, as family members are still being notified. Please join us in respecting the privacy of the family in all capacities, including social media, as they grieve this terrible loss.
We acknowledge this loss may raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for your child. To support our students during this difficult time, counselors have been available today on campus. They along with teachers and other support personnel have been, and will continue to be, available to assist students and faculty one on one with the questions and grief which accompany such a difficult situation.
Counselors will continue to be available over the weekend. Beginning at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, students may call 254-562-4010, and they will be directly connected with either an administrator or counselor. Another option is to send an email to the principal directly at jgriggs@mexiaisd.net .
The death of a classmate may affect a child in a variety of ways depending on the age of a child, how well the child knew the deceased and the child’s prior experience with grief. For some students a death of someone they know may remind them of some other loss in their lives. For others, this may be their first encounter with death.
When reacting to a death, a child may:
➢ Appear not to be affected
➢ Ask a lot of questions
➢ Be agitated and angry
➢ Try extra hard to be good
➢ Be thinking about it privately
➢ Be frightened
➢ Be sad and withdrawn
Please make an extra effort to listen to your child during this time. It is important that you deal honestly and directly with any questions that he or she may have. Should you have difficulty approaching this issue or if you would like additional information about talking to your child about death, we have materials available at school. Below are some other suggestions that parents may find useful in helping their child:
➢ Be a good listener. Listen carefully for any misconceptions or distortions your child may
have.
➢ Provide physical closeness. Spend extra time with your child. Talk and offer reassurance.
➢ Encourage your child to ask questions and to discuss their feelings.
We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child as needed. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if we can be of additional assistance to you and/or your child during this difficult time.
Please join us in prayers and thoughts for the family.
Sincerely,
Ryder Appleton
Superintendent
Mexia ISD