Howard High School Principal on Processing Tragedy: 'It is OK to Cry'

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Students were provided with extra support at Howard High School on Tuesday, as police identified the suspect in the murder of their classmate as another one of their peers.

Charlotte Zaremba, 16, a sophomore at Howard High School, was pronounced deceased at Howard County General Hospital on New Year's Day after a triple shooting occurred in her bedroom, police said.

Sean Crizer, 15, also a sophomore at Howard, was named as the suspect Tuesday after he died at shock trauma from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police. Crizer was allegedly wearing a mask and wielding a gun inside a home in the 4800 block of Knoll Glen Drive around 2 a.m. on Sunday when a woman heard a struggle in her daughter's bedroom. Police said she walked in and Crizer shot her, her daughter and himself.

Howard High School Principal Nick Novak said teachers discussed the news on Tuesday with students, who were offered additional support.

"This afternoon, teachers led guided discussions in each of our classrooms to share the news about Sean’s death from the police report," Novak said in correspondence to families on Tuesday. "Teachers provided students opportunities to discuss their feelings and reactions."

For families unsure of how to talk to their kids about the events, Novak offered tips; they are listed at the end of the article below.

Message from Howard High School Principal Nick Novak on Jan. 3

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I would like to update you on the supports in place today at Howard High School in response to the tragic shooting death of Charlotte Zaremba on Sunday. Earlier this afternoon, the Howard County Police Department issued a public press release with updated information about their investigation of the shooting. In the press release, the Howard County Police reported that the 15-year-old suspect in the shooting is Sean Crizer. Sean was a sophomore at Howard High School. The police report indicated that Sean died today at Shock Trauma as a result of the injuries he sustained from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The police are continuing their investigation, and more information about the status of their investigation is available in the Howard County Police Department public press release.

This afternoon, teachers led guided discussions in each of our classrooms to share the news about Sean’s death from the police report. Teachers provided students opportunities to discuss their feelings and reactions. Students requiring additional support were allowed to go to the Student Services Center, where our Howard High School Student Services staff and counselors from the Howard County Crisis Intervention Team were available to meet with students. School staff will be contacting the parents of all students who received direct support today. Our Student Services staff will continue to be available throughout the week to meet with any students who are upset or need additional support. Please contact our counseling staff at 410-313-2871 if you have questions or concerns about how your child is reacting to this information. In addition, at the end of this letter I am attaching strategies for parents to support their children.

Please know that our teachers, administrators, and counselors are dedicated to supporting our entire school community during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Nick Novak
Principal

Strategies for Supporting Your Child

Listen to your child’s story – Let your child know that you are available to answer any questions. You may not have all the answers, but you can offer your attention. Give simple answers with accurate information.

Encourage the expression of feelings – Talk about your own feelings and share your own losses. It is OK to cry together.

Talk to your child about your personal value system around death and loss – Discuss your family’s personal and/or religious beliefs about death. Your child may be particularly anxious about the sudden realization that death ultimately happens to everyone and that death can come without warning.

Support your child and be patient with his or her feelings – Spend extra time tonight to be with your child discussing and process the day’s events.

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