Hope for the Bereaved, Syracuse, NY

School Crisis Packet

HOPE'S SCHOOL PACKETS /WORKSHOPS

It is critical to help grieving students to understand and cope with their grief; otherwise it may remain with them until adulthood and continue to cause problems. Unresolved grief for youth may affect their relationships, physical and emotional health and self-esteem; jeopardize school work, result in drug and alcohol abuse and may be a primary cause of suicide.

DEATH AT SCHOOL PACKET
Following the many tragic deaths of students HOPE FOR BEREAVED saw a need to provide immediate assistance. Packets developed by HOPE include books, posters, six pamphlets designed for students, school personnel and parents in elementary, middle and high school plus white originals with permission to reprint. Through a grant, HOPE's packets are sent promptly at no charge to schools when a tragedy occurs. Packets are also available for purchase for a school system to have on hand before a death occurs.

"I would like to be prepared for the inevitable. It is just a matter of time before there is a death of a student or teacher. Please send us 35 packets. I will give one to each school within our district to have on hand."

Director of Pupil Services
City of Syracuse School District

Thank you for sending the books and pamphlets on the subject of Death and Grieving. I read through each one cover to cover. They will be a valuable resource for our Student Support Team and faculty.

House I Principal
Cicero - North Syr. High School

Children & Grief
Education & Resources for Schools
HOPE provides in-service training for teachers, crisis teams, full school staff, parent groups as well as classes for students.
A booklet is being developed that will cover:

• children's comprehension
• reasons children grieve
• suggestions for helping the students
• things grieving children need to know
• what to say and do
• the importance of on-going education
• explanations of the various aspects of grief
• coping with the holidays
• consequences of unresolved grief for children
• helping yourself - avoiding burnout

Some Suggestions for Helping Grieving Students

• LISTEN
• Don't avoid the student or talking about the death
• Use the name of the person who died
• Provide healthy ways for the student to express his/her feelings
• As a class read an age-appropriate book on grief
• Have students write a note to the bereaved classmate
• KEEP LISTENING

HOPE CAN HELP ... CONTACT US AT
(315) 475-9675 or E-MAIL

• Arrange for a training seminar
• Purchase resources
• Receive information on helping grieving students

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