Middle School Student Dies, Schools Offer Counseling

NEW LONDON, CT —In a letter sent home to parents as part of a package of information on a sad news' report, schools superintendent Cynthia Ritchie announced the death of a middle school student. She does not identify the student nor provide a reason for the child's death.

"It is with deep regret and sadness that I inform you about a recent loss of one of our middle school students. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the student," Ritchie wrote.

"The news is sure to raise showed a race many emotions concerns and questions for the entire New London Public School District, especially our students."

Ritchie goes on to share that there are school and district-level crisis intervention teams of trained professionals to help deal with the needs of students and school personnel a difficult time such as this." She said counselors are available at all schools for any students who may need support surrounding this loss."

There are pages of information about how to talk with kids about loss and grief, and resources for helping support students and staff.

Read the letter and information sent home by Ritchie here.

NLPS 'Sad News' 1-2... by Ellyn Santiago on Scribd