East 10 19 2023.pdf

Dear East Street School Community,

It is with a very heavy heart that I write to inform you of the sudden passing of beloved security guard Alvin Smith from East Street Elementary School. This loss is especially difficult for our entire East Street community, as Mr. Smith was endeared by everyone he met. On behalf of our entire administration and Board of Education, we extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Smith’s family, friends and colleagues.

Mr. Smith was an integral part of our Hicksville school community. He ensured the safety and security of students and staff, and brought smiles to the hundreds of children he encountered daily. Every day he made certain to greet each student with a smile and a fist-bump. He went beyond his responsibilities to assist students and staff with any support they needed.

Over the coming days and weeks, Mr. Smith’s loss is sure to raise questions amongst our young students. School counseling staff will be available to assist any student or staff member in need. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or counseling staff should your child need help processing this loss. Additionally, the resources below may assist you in discussions with your child:

National Center for Trauma Support Network (NCTSN):
Helping youth children with traumatic grief (for caregivers): https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//helping_young_children_with_traumatic_grief_caregivers.pdf Traumatic grief – youth information sheet: https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/childhood_traumatic_grief_youth_information_sheet.pdf

NPR:
Tips for talking to kids about death:
https://www.npr.org/2019/04/24/716702066/death-talking-with-kids-about-the-end

Psychology Today:
The Do’s and Dont’s of talking with a child about death:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/two-takes-depression/201612/the-dos-and-donts-talking-child-about-death

New York Life Foundation:
How children grieve and how parents and other adults can support them: https://www.newyorklife.com/assets/docs/pdfs/claims/Bereavement-bklet-English.pdf

SesameWorkshops.org
Grief resources & videos:
https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/grief/ Children’s books about grief and bereavement organized by age:

Books on Grief and Bereavement for Children

Our hearts are heavy with the news of this devastating loss. We once again extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Smith and stand together as a school community to support one another during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Dr. Ted Fulton
Superintendent of Schools

Hicksville Public Schools

Messages from the Superintendent

Hicksville Public Schools

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