“Supporting a bereaved child involves compassion and commitment through genuinely listening and understanding their experience. It is an intentional process and teaches us so much about the hope and healing that occur when you are heard and have space.”
– The National Center for Grieving Children and Families
The few past weeks have been extremely challenging for the RSU5 community as we grieve the loss of two young lives. Emotionally, we are never prepared when a young person leaves us far too soon. How we, as adults, manage our grief serves as an important model for our children.
Jean Skorapa is the superintendent of RSU 5, which includes the towns of Freeport, Durham and Pownal.
Children experience grief in a variety of ways as their world suddenly feels less safe. Many students have limited or no experience in coping with the death of someone they know, which may result in confusion as to how to handle grief. Others may experience a high level of anxiety or distress depending on the relationship with the individual who passed away or other personal life experiences.
A natural response from the caring adults in a child’s life is to want to protect them from the pain that loss causes. While we can’t do that, we can make them feel safe and help them process their feelings in the healthiest way possible. Validating feelings lets our children know that while we cannot change the experience, we are listening and that we care.
In times such as these, the strength of the community comes forward. So many have reached out to offer support to our staff and students. Volunteers brought therapy dogs to be a presence in our schools. Neighboring districts sent counselors and social workers to provide additional support when needed. Others sent food, flowers, or expressed kind words. I will be eternally grateful for this amazing support.
As we move forward over the next days and weeks, we will continue to honor and show respect for these young lives. Our strength lies in our compassion for each other and our willingness to support one another through difficult times. We will get through this together … one day at a time.
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