July 6, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We are saddened by the sudden death of a staff member, Wayne Montgomery. As a school community, we express our condolences to his family and friends.
Mr. Montgomery has been a member of the Spencer-Van Etten family for many years. He worked in our district as a teaching assistant. For many years, he touched and inspired the lives of children, staff and community members. He co-founded the "Caring Community Program," and worked with a number of specialized programs to support children at risk. We will miss him.
Often when we hear of another's passing our own feelings about death surface. Children, like adults, begin to think of their own experiences with death and many normal feelings arise. These feelings may focus on the person who has died, another person who has died in the past, an impending death, or anxiety about death in general.
As a school staff we encourage you to listen carefully to your child, answering questions openly and honestly if they occur, and letting children know that even adults don t have all the answers.
Accepting your child's feelings and validating them is beneficial. During the weeks and months ahead, confusing feelings may surface periodically, and it is helpful to discuss them with an adult.
Counselors will be available to students and staff. Information regarding times and locations will be posted on the school website at www.svecsd.org.
If you believe your child needs additional emotional support or have any additional questions or concerns, please contact the school at 589-7100.
Sincerely,
Joe Morgan
Superintendant of Schools