Quick Response Tips for Schools After a Death

If your school has experienced the death of a student or staff member, here are a few immediate steps to help you lead with calm, clarity, and compassion:

1. Pause and Confirm

  • Verify the information through the family or law enforcement before sharing anything.

  • Only share confirmed, family-approved details to protect privacy.

2. Activate a Simple Chain of Communication

  • Use a phone tree or email to notify staff — not students — first.

  • Appoint someone to coordinate logistics and emotional support.

3. Call in Support

  • Contact local grief counselors or community mental health partners.

  • Ask PTO or community members to help with snacks, tissues, water, or comfort supplies.

4. Use Simple, Honest Language

Provide staff with a script to read in class. For example:

“I have some sad news to share. One of our students, [Name], died [brief and age-appropriate context]. It’s okay to feel sad, confused, or even unsure what to feel. We are here to support each other.”

5. Designate Comfort Rooms

  • Identify quiet rooms where students and staff can regulate emotions or talk to a counselor.

  • Stock them with coloring pages, crayons, fidgets, soft music, and books like The Invisible String.

6. Model Emotional Regulation

Teach and practice grounding activities throughout the day, such as:

  • Box Breathing (Inhale 4 / Hold 4 / Exhale 4 / Hold 4)

  • Butterfly Taps (light, rhythmic arm tapping)

  • Hand Breathing (trace the hand while breathing in and out)

7. Give Students a Way to Express

Offer art or writing activities like:

  • “Write a letter to [Name]”

  • “Draw a memory or something you’d like to share with their family”

These can be placed on the student’s desk, locker, or given to the family after review.

8. Communicate with Families

Send a brief letter or email to parents explaining what happened, how the school is supporting students, and how families can continue those conversations at home.

9. Support Your Staff

Remind teachers: it’s okay to be human.
They may feel delayed grief. Encourage breaks, comfort room use, and substitute coverage as needed.

10. You Are Not Alone

You do not have to do this on your own.
Jenny’s Hope in Grief exists to support you through the hardest days. Our team is here with tools, training, and compassion that make the difference.