Avery, CA…Dear Avery Middle School Families, It is with great sadness that I share with you that our beloved Mrs. McKeen passed away yesterday morning in her home. This afternoon we shared this news with our student body. Staff members including our school psychologist were present to meet with grieving students. We are making you aware of Mrs. McKeen’s passing so that you will have the opportunity to comfort and support your child in this time….

You may want to consider the following when talking with your child:

Allow for your child to talk about feelings. If this is the first loss your child has experienced, your child may not know how to respond and will be looking for your guidance.
Affirm all expressions. It’s okay to express feelings honestly. Tolerate the expressions rather than dismissing them or discouraging the expression of feelings.
Encourage written expressions such notes, letters, pictures to the family etc.
Reaffirm that your child is safe and that your child is loved.
Affirm that your child’s reaction is normal and you understand the way the child feels.
Watch for signs of trouble such as aggression, withdrawal etc.
Help the children return to as normal routine as possible.

Monday we will have our district counselor and school psychologist on hand to support students in need of additional support.

Sincerely,

Jared Hungerford
Principal/Avery Middle School