Ocean City School District Addresses Student's Death in Letter to Parents

The Ocean City School District addressed the apparent death of a student in a letter addressed to parents and provided to Patch by the district Friday morning.

The letter reads as follows:

Dear Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s):

It is with deep sadness that we inform you about the tragic loss of one of our high school students earlier this morning. Our hearts and thoughts are with the student’s family, friends and loved ones as they cope with this tremendous personal loss.

This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions from our school community, especially from some of our students. The members of the district’s Crisis Response Team, which is made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel, are present at the high school to provide support, comfort, and reassurance to students who need support.

Should students or parents need additional assistance, please call the OCHS Guidance Office at (609) 399-1290, ext. 4214 during school hours or Cape Counseling at (609) 465-5999. If you have a specific concern about your child, please call the District Student Services Office at (609) 814-8753.

We have posted additional resources and contact information to provide parents with tools to discuss this complex matter with your child. Please visit our District website (www.oceancityschools.org ) for more information. The information can be found under the District’s News Section listed as Grief Loss Resources and Dealing with Crisis – Contact Information or under the High School Parents Section as Health Services: Suicide Prevention.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office. We know you share our concern, support, and deepest sympathy for the family.

Sincerely,

Kathleen W. Taylor, Ed. D.

Superintendent