Dear community member,
We are heartbroken by the recent loss of a student, a young man who attended the COE’s Oasis High School who was recognized by his teachers as a joy to talk to and work with and for his upbeat attitude toward school and life.
There is no greater tragedy than the loss of a youth. On behalf of our staff, and our entire school community, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
The urgency of our work to create safe spaces for youth could not be more clear. Never has it been more important for our schools to create spaces for healing, where students feel safe and have a sense of belonging. Schools offer students the opportunity for hope when faced with some of the biggest challenges in their lives.
Especially in these moments, it is essential to support our youth who may be processing their feelings in many different ways. We’ve had counselors and mental health support available to those impacted throughout the week, and encourage parents and guardians to review the resources below:
- Student and Family Behavioral Health Support
- Teen Grief Handbook
- Teen Grief Handbook – Spanish
- Coping with violence: What parents can do
- Talking to Children about Violence
- Guides & Tools for coping & talking about violence with Children
- Psychological First Aid for Parents_SPANISH
- Psychological First Aid for Parents_ENGLISH
- Supporting Youth in Grief_Hospice Guide for Parents and Caregivers_SPANISH
- Supporting Youth in Grief_Hospice Guide for Parents and Caregivers_ENGLISH
Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
County Superintendent of Schools