The St. James School District will continue the 2010-11 academic year with a top priority in mind — it's students.
The district issued a message for supporting student needs after the tragic school bus accident Aug. 5.
“This is a stressful time for the entire community. Our school counselors have been in contact with parents and are currently working on options to provide immediate and ongoing support for our students and their families throughout the year.
“We are gathering resources and creating informational packets to mail home to parents. We appreciate all the support from surrounding communities and hope you will continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.”
The counselors at John F. Hodge High School are dedicated to addressing student concerns throughout the school year.
Counselor Nikki Birkmann is responsible for students with last names A though K and counselor Katie Henry is responsible for last names L through Z.
“We are an open door; when they come in we stop what we are doing,” Birkmann said. “The students are also finding support within themselves being around each other.”
High School Principal Keith McCarthy also noted students can benefit and find strength from being in each other's company, especially the band students who were on the buses.
“It gives those kids who were hurting a chance to help in the healing of others,” McCarthy said.
Superintendent Joy Tucker highlighted the support of surrounding communities, school districts and professionals available to address the needs of the students.
“It would be easy to bring in 50 people if we needed. Every school district in a 50-mile radius has offered and asked what they can do to help,” Tucker said.
Tucker said the United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan contacted her regarding a grant to pay for resources if needed. The grant is designed to provide school districts with resources such as therapy, counseling and other support during a time of crisis.
“It's unbelievable the outcry of people to give us the support we need,” Tucker said.
McCarthy also noted the prospect of using a therapist specializing in grief for the best interest of the students.
“We need additional help and support to help the kids,” McCarthy said.
McCarthy also explained this is an ongoing process.
“We recognize this is a major crisis we will help our children work through over the years to come, as long as it takes for the needs of the students and their families,” McCarthy said. “We are interested in working with students and their parents and we are planning a parent meeting shortly.”
