White Pine School Helping Students Cope With Aftermath
The halls of White Pine School are filled with students struggling to understand the murder of one of their own and the choices made by another fellow student. Saturday evening an eight year old 3rd grade student at White Pine was shot and killed by an 11 year old 5th grade student that attended White Pine School. Though the act of violence did not happen on school grounds and was not physically connected to the school, students and staff are feeling and dealing with the results of that tragedy.
Principal Bill Walker stated that counselors have been on hand all day to help students with their feelings about the incident. In preparation for the return of students to school on Monday, Walker met with his staff on Sunday and they set a plan in motion to assist students as they deal with the death of a fellow student and the actions of another. Walker said Monday “ It is important that students feel safe and secure at the school, as they try to deal with their feelings and emotions. The teaching staff arrived before the buses and have done well with letting the children express themselves. Every classroom teacher read a letter to students that was written with the assistance of counselors and every student that needs or wants to speak to a counselor individually is encouraged to do so.”
Principal Walker and his staff are committed to keeping the day as normal as possible so that the students have some structure as they grieve. However, they are acutely aware that this day is not normal. “Our prayers are with the families. The entire school is grieving as we try to make sense of this tragedy and help our children through this difficult time” Principal Walker said.
A letter will be sent home to parents and counselors will be on hand at White Pine School this week. Parents are encouraged to contact the school, should their child need additional one on one time with a counselor.
Walker stated that attendance was good at White Pine on Monday. The school and community, with the assistance of counselors, time and prayer, will help the students deal with this tragedy and let the good memories of a classmate, friend and neighbor have the lasting impact.
