How very sad. We had a similar circumstance at our school some years ago and we developed a Memorial Garden in the child's name. It began as a small sitting area with a flag and a small bench and has since blossomed into a beautiful courtyard. As years have passed, different groups have added vegetable gardens, raised flower beds, a pond and beautiful bronze plaques in recognition of teachers' retirements, etc. Just an idea but something that will continue to grow and be a constant reminder of a special child and their family. Good luck in your healing!
So glad things are moving forward. Again this all gives me chills. I'm glad you did the movie night. Didn't connect another child to the school and that was a great way for her to reenter....sounds like you guys are a caring, lovely group and the family is very lucky to have your extended family support.
Thanks for your help! You both gave good advice. I was glad to hear dlf suggest we leave her in the position and not expect anything, that was my first instinct and you validated that for me. The balloon release suggestion made me start thinking and we're doing a live butterfly release at our Earth Day event on April 22nd to commemorate his life and accomplishments while he was with us. And Renee S. brought home an important point about not being afraid to talk about her child. That is important and she appreciates it. The funeral service was sad, yet beautiful and meaningful and we did go ahead with Movie Night last night at the family's urging. They even attended and felt that was their opportunity to transition their daughter back into school and a more normal life. The healing will be a long and painful process, but it has begun. Thanks for your help again!
We had this happen over the summer to our treasurer. She lost her 8 yr. old in a bike accident. Just be there for her. Her place of employment was having a bake sale & they let us run it. The manager accredits us with bringing in over $4000. in one day because we knew alot of people & . They also held a hot dog social. Everything was done on donations. The school held an icecream social & had a local bookstore come in & do a book fair with proceeds going to the family. Like I said just be there for her & don't be afraid to talk about her child. I never want to have to go to a child's funeral, again. It was just so sad.
That is tragic, tragic news. I think before I did a routine night I might consider a small memorial for the little boy. Perhaps have the children release balloons with notes and have a someone say something before the balloons are released (I know there is a bit of an environment issue here but that is just an idea). I could be done during the school day and since they were so well know I'm sure folks will have a connection with it.
The big thing would be to give her as much time as she needs. I wouldn't expect one more thing from her this school year as her world has just been destroyed. I also wouldn't move to fill her position with anyone else. Just have the board suck it up and make it work as her friends.
I tear up just thinking about this....d
I just received tragic news. Our 2nd vice-president's 5 year old kindergartner was killed quite suddenly this afternoon. He has a sister in fourth grade at our school as well. The family is very involved in our community and with general neighborhood activities, Scouts, soccer teams, etc., etc., probably most of our school of 700 plus elementary children know the family. Our PTO officers are pulling together the post-funeral dinner and sending flowers. Any suggestions on how else to handle this? We also have a Family Movie Night scheduled for this coming Friday evening. What should we do about that? We're all positively numb at this point.
