We are grateful for the outpouring of support our students have received, and we continue to walk alongside them through this season of sadness and grief.
Windsor Charter Academy maintains an ongoing partnership with Caring Canines, and when they learned of our need, they mobilized quickly, scheduling ten therapy dogs to be on campus. Those dogs offered comfort and quiet companionship to grieving students. Students will continue to have the opportunity to spend time with our own therapy dog, Maddy, a golden retriever, every Tuesday during lunch for the remainder of the school year.
This past Monday, we held our first Grief Share meeting during lunch, a gathering where students can share memories and stories of hope with one another. Grief Share will continue to meet every Monday during lunch for as long as it is needed.
Healing is a process, and it takes time. We ask that you watch for the following signs of distress in your child.
Emotional Signs
Numbness or anger: teens may express anger rather than sadness, or feel detached from what has happened.
Intense anxiety: fear of losing other loved ones, or persistent worry about the future.
Guilt and shame: self-blame or a sense of survivor's guilt tied to the loss.
Behavioral Signs
Social withdrawal: pulling away from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed.
Academic decline: difficulty concentrating, falling grades, or reluctance to attend school.
Risk-taking actions: increased recklessness, substance use, or self-harm used as a way to escape pain.
Physical Signs
Unexplained ailments: frequent headaches, stomachaches, or general fatigue.
Sleep and appetite shifts: insomnia, nightmares, changes in eating, or loss of interest in food.
As your child's high school counselor, I am here to support your child, and I welcome you to reach out if you would like to schedule a time to discuss your child's individual needs and how we can help at school. Please email me at serena.seneca@windsorcharteracademy.org.
