As you may know, our school community experienced a death recently. As a result of this death,
Bennett will provide an opportunity for students and staff to discuss and work through issues
related to the grief process. A team of professionals was present at Bennett the day this news
was relayed to the staff and students. The school counselors at Bennett were a part of this team
and will continue to be available to all students each day. We encourage you to be open with
your child and take the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns they have. A few
suggestions for speaking with them follow:

• Let your child know you are available to talk about the death and to answer questions.
• Give the child accurate information in simple, understandable words. Avoid the
phrases “going on a long trip” or “going to sleep”. You should be consistent in saying that the
student died or is dead.
• It is OK and useful to share similar experiences and feelings that you have had.
• Let them know their feelings are normal.
• Be aware that your child may not feel like “business as usual” for awhile.

Please also be aware that responses to the death of another student will vary. Children often
hide their true feelings in order to convince themselves that death is reversible. Signs of
distress include: chronic worrying, lack of energy, and loss of appetite. The most common
response is guilt. There may be some concern that they have done something to cause the death,
or that they should have been more helpful when the person was alive. If you have any questions
or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Erin Flaherty, Bennett’s school counselor, for
more information.