Dear Families,

It is with extreme sadness that I write to share heartbreaking news with our school community. Friday, February 13, 2026, we lost one of our elementary students, her father, and her young sister as the result of a house fire. Our deepest condolences are with the student’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve and seek to recover from this tragedy.

The loss of a child impacts our entire community. We know that students and adults alike may experience a wide range of emotions, including sadness, confusion, fear, anger, or disbelief. Some children may have many questions, while others may not wish to talk at all. All of these reactions are normal.

When students return to school on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, counseling and support services will be available across our buildings. School counselors and support staff will be present to assist students individually or in small groups as needed. Our priority is to provide a safe, caring environment where students can process this loss in developmentally appropriate ways.

We also encourage families to speak with their children at home. When talking with your child:

• Use simple, clear, and honest language.
• Encourage questions and answer them calmly and briefly.
• Reassure your child about the safety measures in place at home and at school.
• Maintain routines as much as possible, as predictability helps children feel secure.
• Let them know it is okay to feel sad, fearful or unsure.

You may consider starting the conversation with:

• “What have you heard?”
• “How are you feeling about it?”
• “Is there anything you’re wondering about?”

Common reactions to grief in children and adolescents may include clinginess, changes in sleep, difficulty concentrating, irritability, withdrawal, or worries about their own safety. These responses are typically temporary. However, if your child shows persistent distress, ongoing sleep disruption, significant behavior changes, or heightened anxiety, please reach out to your pediatrician or a mental health professional.

Helpful parent resources on supporting children through grief can be found through:

• The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/mental-health-resources/addressing-grief 
• The Dougy Center: The National Grief Center for Children & Families  https://www.dougy.org/ 
• HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/Grieving-Whats-Normal-When-to-Worry.aspx?_gl=1*1nsqc7o*_ga*MTk2Njg5MjA2OS4xNzcxMDc2MzI1*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*czE3NzEwNzYzMjUkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzEwNzYzNzIkajEzJGwwJGgw 

This is an incredibly difficult moment for our community. We will continue to care for one another with compassion, patience, and understanding. Thank you for partnering with us to support our students during this difficult time.

With sympathy and care,

Daren Johnston
Superintendent