SD19565 - Yes, we are in PA. If that is your zip - are you in CW?
Our students just completed a beautiful 2-story tile mural in our Artist in Residence program. A small part of the mural is dedicated to the young girl. I am working with a student and the school staff to create a small outdoor memorial area. We have someone who wished to donate a tree and some students want to sell bulbs to plant in her name.
That's great that you are letting others know the PTO is available to them. What an incredibly sad day for your community. I bet it is hard to be a parent today and to know how to best help your son and his classmates as they experience their grief.
It sounds like you are part of a very caring community. Stay in touch if you have more questions or just to let us know how everyone is doing,
They have had grief counselors at school. Her funeral is this morning and many of the 6th graders (including my son) are going. I have been in touch with the principal. My son is also involved with Student Council and they have been discussing ideas. Because of the email I received, I forwarded the email I received to the SC Adviser because they were duplicating efforts. I've simply let a number of parties know that the PTO and our resources are available to them.
Wow. What a heartbreaking story. Yes, the PTO should get involved, but you probably want to coordinate with the school administration -- they may be doing something as well and you want to either support that or somehow coordinate what the parent group might do. (So that you are not duplicating efforts) You could always hold a separate collection and then donate something to the family. Perhaps your school principal could give you a little direction there or maybe you could seek help from the school counselor (or has a grief counselor been available for the kids) for some help in what would be an appropriate gift. As far as your web page goes, I think you aren't really responsible for making this news known, other than if you want to let people know you are taking up a collection in memory of this child. Please stay in touch to let us know how you are making out. We are so very sorry to hear this story.
I also do our school website and PTO Facebook page. What information, if any, is appropriate for there? A simple condolence message for her surviving family? I don't want to bring religion into it (prayers for a precious angel, or something like that) because I'm not certain what her faith was.
