School Services

Western Reserve Grief Services understands the impact grief can have on the school community, particularly as it strives to meet the goals of academic achievement and classroom management. 


ThinkstockPhotos-177027207.jpgBecause school personnel are an important part of their students' lives, their response in times of loss can be extremely helpful to students struggling with the death of a loved one. In fact, students often rely on teachers and school counselors to talk about things that are too painful to discuss at home.

 

Our team of bereavement professionals is here to help your faculty and staff members navigate the painful experience of grief and loss at school with the following services.

The Services for Schools Program is supported by a generous grant from the Ridgecliff Foundation.


Grief Support

 

Consultation and support services are available for staff, students and parents related to the anticipated or actual death of any member of the school community. Ongoing support groups are available for students who have experienced a loss due to death.

The S.T.A.R.S. (Supporting Tears, Anger, Remembrance & Sadness) is an in-school grief support group for students who have experienced the death of a loved one. Groups address student's grief reactions and promote effective coping skills.


Classroom PresentationsThinkstockPhotos-178398972.jpg

Interactive class presentations for elementary, middle and high school students. Age-appropriate education on death, dying and bereavement can be incorporated into health or theology classes. Activities to facilitate healing and promote healthy coping may be presented when a class has been directly affected by a particular loss. 

Visit our CareLink blog site to read about how one classroom worked together to remember their loved ones who had died. 


Staff and Parent Education Programs

Training and resources on topics such as: Anticipating a Death, Responding to Crisis, Grief Activities for the Classroom and Supporting Students Through Loss. Continuing education credits are available.

Fees vary according to services and can be waived under certain circumstances. No one in need of services will be turned away because of financial need.

Unfortunately, children of all ages are exposed to death, whether a distant relative, immediate family member, friend or even a pet. Often as parents, we feel unprepared and overwhelmed when faced with the task of talking to our children about death, particularly young children. Having knowledge of children’s understanding and reactions to loss can be a helpful tool when attempting to care for and support a grieving child. Early conversations about loss offer opportunities to teach about death as part of the life cycle, and to set a foundation for children’s understanding that all living things have a beginning and an end.