|
Dear AACA Family,
It is with great sadness that we write to share with you the news of the passing of a 7th grader at St. Clement School. Please keep him, his family, and the entire St. Clement School and Parish community in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn this tragic loss.
The loss of a child is always difficult and it can be especially challenging for students to process their understanding and grief. We would like to offer some suggestions as you and your child process this information.
Children who are coping with loss need:
- Honest, open conversation
- Continued support from loved ones
- A sense of security
- Hope for a future full of love
- Someone to listen to them and offer reassurance
The following are a few resources that may be helpful to you:
Some of you may be familiar with Elyssa's Mission and its Signs Suicide® (SOS) Prevention Program. AACA began offering depression awareness and suicide prevention parent training in the Fall of 2016 through Elyssa's Mission. Middle school students also participate in the SOS Prevention Program through health class.
Our two, full-time counselors, Mrs. Debra Larrea, and Mr. Matt Gunsalaus will work together with myself and our faculty to ensure we are available to support all of our students' understanding of this tragedy. We are also available to you.
If you would like an opportunity to discuss additional resources or if you have other questions, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Larrea directly at dlarrea@aaca.school or Mr. Matt Gunsaulus at mgunsaulus@aaca.school.
With God’s Grace, and with your support, honesty, and openness your children will be able to draw upon their own faith and their relationship with God as they try to understand death and the sudden loss of a peer.
Thank you for keeping this family and the entire St. Clement School and Parish community in your thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Dr. Casimer Badynee, Principal
Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts
1439 W Wellington Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
P: 773.348.4629 x. 132
F: 773.348.4829
E: cbadynee@aaca.school
W: www.alphonsusacademy.org
 facebook.com/aacarockets
|
