From Charlie Little, Vandegrift HS principal and from Susan Fambrough, Steiner Ranch Elementary principal:
Dear VHS family,
I am saddened to share with you the news that one of our LISD Kindergarten teachers, Peggy Howard, and her son, Cale Howard, a senior at Vandegrift High School, were fatally injured in a car accident late last night. Mrs. Howard is survived by her husband and two college-aged sons.
Please know that the emotional well-being of each of our students is of the utmost concern for all of us.
We will have counselors on hand for all students who may need additional support during this time as well as other counselors from the district available on Monday, January 6th, and in the days to follow in case any students, parents or staff need support.
We realize that this may be the first time many of our students have been affected by the death of a classmate. As an extra level of support, the following assistance will be provided for those students who may need it.
A Student Support gathering will be held in the VHS band hall, tomorrow (Sunday), from 2:00-3:30 PM for any student or parent wishing to stop by. Adriann Ivey, Director of Guidance and Counseling for LISD will be in attendance for our students. Mrs. Ivey is also in communication with Carolyn Brooks, Lead Counselor at Vandegrift HS, to have additional support staff on hand for anyone that needs it.
As soon as we hear of funeral arrangements from the family, We will forward that information to our VHS families.
Sincerely,
Charlie Little
***
Dear Steiner Ranch Elementary Parents of 1st-5th graders,
I am devastated to bring you the news that one of our beloved Kindergarten teachers, Peggy Howard, and her son, a senior at Vandegrift High School, were killed in a car accident late last night. Mrs. Howard is survived by her husband and two college-aged sons. She loved each and every student unconditionally, and we will miss her more than words can say.
Please know that the emotional well-being of each of our students is of the utmost concern for us. I have been in contact with each of Mrs. Howards’ students’ parents, and we have a plan in place for when the students return to school on Monday, January 6.
We will also have our counselor, Sherry Betts, as well as other counselors from the district available on Monday and in the days to follow in case any students, parents or staff need or want to talk.
I realize that for many of our children, this may be the first time they have been affected by the death of someone close to them. Below you will find some links and resources which might be helpful if you feel you need or want to have a discussion with your child about the death of a teacher at SRE.
As soon as I hear of funeral arrangements from the family, I will forward that information to our SRE families. Please know you, your students, and the Howard family are in my thoughts and prayers. We will do everything we can to ensure your children are taken care of at SRE during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Susan Fambrough, Principal
Resources:
When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death
I Remember Miss Perry by Pat Brisson
Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children by Bryan Mellonie
http://teacher.scholastic.com/
http://teacher.scholastic.com/
http://kidshealth.org/parent/