Dear D7 Families and Staff,
It is with profound sadness that I share some heartbreaking news with our D7 community. Today, one of our 11th-grade students, a young man, was involved in a car accident, sustained injuries, and tragically passed away.
Words cannot adequately express the sadness we feel as a school community. Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, classmates, teachers, and everyone whose life he touched. The loss of a young person is especially difficult, and we recognize that this news will affect members of our community in many different ways.
We want to ensure that our students and staff have the support they need during this incredibly difficult time. Counselors and social workers will be available throughout the school day today and tomorrow to provide support to anyone who needs someone to talk to, a place to process their feelings, or simply someone who will listen.
While additional counseling support will be available during these immediate days, please remember that grief does not follow a schedule. It can surface unexpectedly, in different ways, and at different times for each individual. In the days and weeks ahead, students are encouraged to reach out to our counseling staff, social workers, teachers, or any trusted adult whenever they need additional support. No one should feel they have to navigate this loss alone.
We also ask our families to take a few moments today to connect with your children when they return home from school. Check in with them, listen to their concerns, and give them the opportunity to talk about what they may be feeling. Sometimes simply knowing that someone is there to listen can make an enormous difference. Attached you will find some resources to help you have a conversation with your child.
Please keep this young man’s family in your thoughts as they face an unimaginable loss. Let us come together as a community with compassion, patience, and care for one another. During times like these, we are reminded that our school community is a family, and we must lean on one another.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Mark Kleinhans
Superintendent