Family Message 10/24/19

Everyday our staff arrives at school ready to go and to work hard on behalf of every student.  Today was no different but certainly  harder than most as we carried with us the news of the loss of our colleague, Courtney Neville.  We gather our strength from community and we are grateful to work in a profession, a school, and a town where the strength of community is so strong.  Throughout the day we received messages from fellow educators in other communities, parents, and colleauges throughout the district expressing their shock and sadness for the Neville Family and the loss to our school community.  In addition to being a beloved colleague, mother, and community member, Mrs. Neville was the aunt to several students in the Hanover Schools, including Center  School.  Our deepest sympathies go out to all of her family members, friends, colleagues, and students.

Our plan for Friday is to support all students and respond to conversations they may initiate.  We will be taking our cue from the students and provide conversations where needed most.  Mrs. Madden and Mrs. Gonsalves are available to provide counseling and support to students as well as parents as needed. The structure and routine of school and what is familiar to the students will be both comforting and a distraction to them about something so sad.  

Whenever a tragedy or a loss happens, it leaves us thinking and saying, “How do we tell our kids?” and “What should we say?” We have met with the staff, worked with Riverside Counseling, and drawn upon our own experiences over the years dealing with loss. We are prepared to support students who may struggle tomorrow or over the next few weeks.   Mrs. Madden and Mrs. Gonsalves are available and we encourage you to reach out if they can provide support or guidance at any time.  Please see the attached information below with some ideas and strategies on how you can support your child at home. 

Warm Regards,

Jane DeGrenier
Principal