School helps Students Cope Loss of Jersey
By: Rebecca Jeffrey
Updated: November 26, 2012
Monday morning every teacher in every classroom at Sugar Creek Elementary in Bentonville read a statement to their students informing them Jersey Bridgeman would not be returning to school.
"Kids handle things a lot differently than adults and the biggest thing is behavior," Sugar Creek Principle Pam Blair said. As a counselor as well, she too worked with students throughout the morning to help them work through the tragedy.
So the crisis response team put their heads together to give the kids activities to help them cope, like drawing and writing.
"Their writing and pictures helped the teachers and counselors find those kids that were directly impacted by this," Blair said.
Children were then able to talk with counselors. But Blair said the students weren't the only ones affected.
"In front of our kids we've got to hold it together emotionally and be strong but we have to support each other when we need it."
But in the face of tough times, there is a light for those mourning Jersey's death.
"It's unfortunate sometimes that a tragedy can bring you closer together but that's what's going on within this staff and that classroom."
