Dear Sto-Rox Parents and Guardians,
We are saddened to share that a student from Sto-Rox Jr./Sr. High School passed away Monday of natural causes. This is a terrible loss for their family and for the Sto-Rox community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, our students, and staff.
Support staff will be available for both our students and staff. The support staff includes Sto-Rox school counselors, social workers and therapists from our partner agencies. Any student or staff who wants to speak to someone may report to the Counseling Office throughout the week. The following may be some helpful talking points as you talk with your child:
Allow your child to talk openly about their feelings. If this is the first traumatic event your child has experienced, your child may not know how to respond and will be looking to you for guidance.
Affirm all expressions. It’s okay to express feelings honestly. Accept all expressions of feelings rather than dismissing or discouraging them.
Reaffirm to your child that they are safe and loved.
Affirm that your child’s reaction is normal and that you understand the way your child feels.
Keep your child’s routine as normal as possible.
Understand that there is no single response and that sometimes reactions to sadness can be delayed.
If you or your child needs to speak with someone at any time, please let us know, and we will make sure the necessary support is available. Allegheny County24/7 Crisis Support is also available for you or a loved one who is experiencing a mental health crisis or is in emotional distress, call RESOLVE at 1-888-796-8226.
At this difficult time, we ask that you please respect the family of this student. Please feel free to reach out at 412-771-3213, ext. 1000.
Sincerely,
Megan Marie Van Fossan, M.A., M.Ed.
Superintendent
Sto-Rox School District