Ladera Ranch Middle School Mourns Loss of Student

LADERA RANCH, CA — The news of the tragic death of a Ladera Ranch Middle School student was shared by the school principal, George Duarte.

In an email to parents, Duarte addressed the death of one of their own and offered advice on how families can cope with their children's understanding of the loss of a classmate.

On Dec. 1, Duarte was out during lunchtime with the Ladera Ranch Lions, eating with the children and spending time talking with them on campus and was unavailable for comment at the time.

On-campus grief counseling will be available to all students on Thursday and for as long as needed, Duarte said.

Tips on helping your child cope with grief and loss were also shared to families and are noted at the bottom of this story.

Here is the email Duarte sent to families regarding the loss of their student:

Dear Ladera Lion Families:
(On Wednesday), we heard of the death of one of our students.
Our of respect for the privacy of the family, this is all of the information we will share.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected.
(On Thursday) and for as long as needed, we will have counselors available to support all of our students.
Our teachers are aware of the situation and will be watching for children who need someone to talk to. Additionally, please know that any child can come to the office for help.
I have attached grief-tips that are published by the National Association of School Psychologists.

Sincerely,
George Duarte, Ed. D.

Tips on Helping Your Child Deal With Grief and Loss shared by Principal Duarte, of Ladera Ranch Middle School, taken from the National Association of School Psychologists :

Identifying Grief in children:

• Emotional shock
• Regressive behaviors
• Explosive emotions and acting out-behaviors
• Asking the same questions over and over

Helping children cope with grief:

• Allowing children to be the teachers about their grief experiences.
• Don’t assume every child understands death in the same way or with the same feelings.
• Grieving is a process, not an event.
• Don’t lie or tell half-truths to children about tragic events.
• Help all children regardless of age to understand loss and death.
• Encourage children to ask questions.
• Don’t assume children will grieve in a predictable way.
• Children will need long-lasting support.
• Grief work is hard.
• Understand that grief work is complicated.
• Be aware of your own need to grieve.

For more information, read on helping children cope with grief and loss.