Dear WCA High School Families,
I never expected to send this message in the first newsletter of the school year. As you may know, this past weekend, Evan Cole, a 10th-grade Windsor Charter Academy student, died in a drowning accident. This news continues to be tremendously difficult for students and adults to process. Evan was a treasured student at our school. Teachers and classmates knew him as thoughtful, bright, athletic, funny, and so very, very kind. His absence is felt deeply throughout our entire community.
How We Have Responded This Week
Our K-12 counseling team, along with the Weld RE-4 counseling response team, has been present in classrooms and hallways since Monday. Support is available to students individually and in small groups, especially for those closest to Evan. We have also had therapy dogs on campus and “open ELO” to give students the opportunity to gather and support each other during the school day. Furthermore, teachers have received guidance on how to talk with students and recognize kids who may need extra support.
Our staff has also had access to support because many of them are grieving as well. Some of our staff have worked with Evan for years, both in and out of the classroom.
The grief we are seeing amongst students and staff is deep, and we will continue to support our Firebird Family.
What To Watch For At Home
Grief shows up differently in every child, and it doesn't always look like sadness. In the coming days and weeks, you might see:
Trouble sleeping, or sleeping much more than usual
Difficulty concentrating or a lessened interest in schoolwork
Irritability, anger, or unusual quietness
Physical complaints, including stomachaches, headaches, and/or fatigue
A reluctance to go to school, or clinginess around routines
Kids who seem "fine" one day and are suddenly overwhelmed the next
These are normal responses to loss, even for students who didn't know Evan well. A classmate's death can shake a teenager's sense of general safety. Please don't hesitate to reach out to any school staff member if something feels off. You know your child best, and a quick check-in with school staff can help us keep an eye on them while at school.
Honoring Evan's Memory
Many families have reached out asking how they can support the Cole Family or honor Evan's memory. We are so grateful for this outpouring of love and support. We are working with Evan’s family to establish a scholarship in his name to carry forward his memory within our school community. We will share more information about this effort, including how to contribute, in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please continue to hold his family close in your thoughts. We will do the same.
As always, please reach out to the school office with any questions.
With care,
Mia Dellanini