Dear USD 227 Hodgeman County family,
With a heavy heart, I’m writing to share news that an 8th grader at Hodgeman County MS/High School died Friday afternoon. During this difficult time, I am asking everyone to show compassion and respect to the people most directly affected by this tragic loss.
We are arranging counseling support at school for our students and staff beginning on Monday.
The loss of a student and classmate affects everyone in our schools and community. A good place to start a conversation with your child is to ask what they know about what happened, and how they’re feeling. You may learn that they know very little and are not interested in finding out more. If they share how they feel, reassure them that it’s normal — whether they are sad, nervous, angry or perhaps don’t feel anything.
If you notice any lingering signs of stress — changes in appetite or sleeping, for example — these could indicate your child could use some help processing their grief. If you or someone you know needs urgent help, call or text 988 for confidential professional counseling available 24/7, or our district counselor Kerra Cossman at 620-357-8376.
And please contact us if we can help in any way in the days and weeks ahead.
Sincerely,
Robert Reed
Superintendent
