Dear Parents,
As you may or may not be aware, our school district and community has recently experienced the death of a former student which has deeply affected us all. The family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss. We have implemented our district’s Crisis Intervention Team in an effort to provide support and counseling services to all of those students impacted. The most important thing we can do at this time is to listen, be supportive, and encourage an open expression of feelings. Counselors are available in the school setting to assist students as they express their feelings related to this tragedy. Mental health support is available in the evenings and weekends. We have included a reference sheet to help you recognize possible reactions you may observe in your child. If you feel your child is in need of special assistance or is having a great deal of difficulty coping with this loss please do not hesitate to call the numbers listed below. While it is important to deal with grief, loss, anger and fear reactions, we believe it is essential to resume as normal a routine as possible regarding school activities. Please observe your child closely over the next several days and weeks to watch for signs of distress, which may indicate a need for additional support and guidance. Please feel free to call if you have any concerns or questions regarding your child, or the steps being taken by the district to address this loss. SCSD Mental Health Team Dawn Shores LCSW 575-835-0283 (SMS) Michelle Nelson LCSW 505-307-3574 (SHS) available also on weekends and after hours Holly Hemminger LCSW 575-418-3233 (Parkview) Camelia Herrera-School Counselor 575-322-2702 Mary Smith, School Psychologist 360-718-1820 available also on weekends and after hours Pete Candelaria, MSW (Midway) Project Aware Numbers (Community Partner with SCSD) Jackie Muncy 575-838-2544 National Crisis Hotline 988 Peer to Peer Hotline 1-855-466-7100 NM State Hotline 1-855-622-7474