Dear South Lake Community,
I am deeply saddened to share that an 8th-grade student has died this afternoon. Our hearts go out to their family and friends and to all members of our South Lake Community during this incredibly difficult time.
Due to student confidentiality laws and out of respect for our student and their family, I cannot share further details. Thank you for your understanding. More information from the Irvine Police Department can be found here.
We understand that this news may bring up many emotions, and we encourage our students, staff, and families to reach out for support if needed. Tomorrow, in the Media Center, our school counselors and support staff will be available to provide grief counseling and assistance to anyone who may be struggling with this loss. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if your child or family needs additional resources now or in the future.
During this time of mourning, we will continue to work together as a community to support each other. Please also check in with your child. The death of a peer can affect students in a variety of ways depending on age, how well they knew the student or previous experiences with loss and grief. Students may:
Appear not to be affected
Ask a lot of questions
Be thinking about it privately
Be frightened, agitated, or angry
Be sad and withdrawn
We suggest you listen to your child, and if they need to talk, answer their questions simply and honestly. Please see additional resources below, which may be helpful.
Resources can also be found by visiting the IUSD Mental Health and Wellness webpage, which includes school, district, and community resources.
Our sympathy, concern, and hearts are with our student.
Sincerely,
Belinda Averill