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When Death Impacts Your School

This guide provides steps for schools facing a student/adult death or crisis event, including notifying personnel, parents, and students, managing grief, and avoiding common mistakes. Additionally, it offers practical advice on supporting those affected and maintaining a safe environment for expression.

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When Death Impacts Your School

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  1. When Death Impacts Your School What to Expect When the Crisis Team Visits Your Campus

  2. Notifications Any campus personnel with knowledge of the death of a student/adult or other catastrophic event impacting the campus should call the building principal and/or school counselor immediately.

  3. If initial notification occurs… Outside school day: The phone tree would be initiated to notify staff of the event and to let staff know the time and location of morning staff meeting. Inside school day: This may require the distribution of a written statement or a staff meeting.

  4. Notifying Parents Your principal will draft a letter to be sent home with students for parents to notify them about the death and what services are being offered to students and families.

  5. Notifying Students The principal will prepare a statement that will be read to students in small, naturally occurring groups such as first period groups.

  6. What to Expect on Day One • We will try to keep the school day as normal as possible. • There will be a faculty meeting in the morning before school. • There will be counselors from throughout the district on your campus. • A trauma center will be set up for students and/or staff who need counseling. • There will be a faculty meeting in the afternoon to process the day.

  7. Six Basic Concepts of Grief • Grief is a natural reaction to loss. • Each student’s grief experience is unique. • There are no “right” and “wrong” ways to grieve. • Every death is different and will be experienced by your students in differing ways. • The grieving process is influenced by a multitude of factors. • Grieving never ends. From The Dougy Center, The National Center for Grieving Children & Families

  8. Steps You Can Take to Help • Listen without judgment. • Say something that acknowledges you care and know about the death. “I’m sorry about your friend’s death.” • Talk about the person who died, using their name and sharing memories. • Provide structure and routine with flexibility as needed. • Know that you can’t take away the pain. • Your role is to provide a safe atmosphere where the student can express himself. • Allow for feelings, responding with a calm acceptance. • Share concerns with your campus counselor. • Take care of your own needs and feelings as well.

  9. Common Mistakes: Words and Actions to Avoid • DO NOT suggest that the student has grieved long enough. • DO NOT indicate that the student should get over it and move on. • DO NOT expect the student to complete all assignments on time, but do set limits. • DO NOT act as if nothing has happened. • DO NOT say things like: “It could be worse; you still have one brother.” “I know how you feel.” “You’ll be stronger because of this.”

  10. We are Here to Help! If you need to talk, ask questions, and/or find resources, please see your campus counselor! Provided by Humble ISD Student Support Services Department

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