Dear Parents,

It is with a heavy heart that I share some very sad news here at Pleasantdale Elementary School. This morning, two of our elementary students were involved in a fatal train crash in Western Springs. Words cannot express the heartbreak and sorrow we feel as we mourn this devastating loss. 

We extend our deepest condolences to the family. Our thoughts, prayers, and support are with them. Out of respect for the family, we are not releasing the students' names or ages.   

School staff and homeroom students were informed by our school social workers this afternoon. 

It is our intention to create the safest emotional space for your child to process this loss. Our crisis response team met with students and staff today and will be available to communicate with students over the coming days and weeks.

Counselors and crisis staff will be on site tomorrow to support students, teachers, and staff.

Our district is committed to doing everything we can to help our students and staff with the grieving and healing process. Mr. Buti, Ms. Johnson, and Ms. Ruden, our Pleasantdale school social workers, were available for students and staff who needed them after hearing about the losses. 

This loss will affect everyone in our school family and in the greater Pleasantdale school community. Students may have difficulty dealing with these losses, and we encourage you to talk with your child. 

The following may be helpful as you talk with your child:
Reaffirm that your child is safe and loved.
Affirm that your child’s reaction is normal, that you understand how the child feels, and that they are allowed to feel that way.
Allow your child to talk about their feelings. If this is the first loss your child has experienced, they may not know how to respond and will be looking for your guidance.
Encourage written expressions such as notes, letters, pictures of the family, etc.
Tell the truth. Talk about death vs. “going to sleep.”
Watch for behavioral changes, such as aggression or withdrawal/isolation.
Help the children return to as normal a routine as possible.

In addition, here are some other resources that may support you at home:
Grief Support Resources for Children and Families – Dougy Center 
Explaining Death to Children – Children's Hospital of Philadelphia 
Helping Children Deal with Grief – Child Mind Institute 
Talking with Children About Death and Grief – Coalition to Support Grieving Students 
Understanding Grief Triggers in Students – Coalition to Support Grieving Students 
Books for Children Coping with Loss 

At this time, the district will not release the names of the students out of respect for the family’s privacy. We appreciate your continued support of our students, staff, and schools. 

Sincerely,
 
Dave Palzet
Superintendent