Mayfield community mourns loss of student
June 22, 2011
As many of you have probably learned by now, there was a tragic accident last night involving one of our students, Amber Dumoulin.
Amber was killed after being hit by a car at the intersection of Second Avenue and State Route 30 at approximately 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 21. She was walking home with a friend after watching a softball game held at Mayfield Jr. /Sr. High School.
Amber was a great all-around kid and actively involved in numerous activities at Mayfield Jr./Sr. High School and will truly be missed by fellow students, teachers and all the people whose lives she touched in the district and community.
The entire Mayfield family extends our sympathies to Amber’s loved ones at the time of this terrible tragedy. Our district crisis team is in place to work with students and staff who need further counseling to deal with their grief.
Counseling will be available throughout the week.
Staff and parents should also feel free to contact their school counselor for advice on how to handle any grief or concerns that their youngsters or teens may be experiencing.
I understand that this is a difficult time for everyone in our community. As always the Mayfield School Community is ready to support you in any way they can and please do not hesitate to call on us for help.
Sincerely,
Paul G. Williamsen
Mayfield Superintendent
Grief/Crisis resources for parents
Summer break is right around the corner and many kids may be spending
time alone at home while parents are away at work. As a result, changes
in a child's mood or behavior might go unnoticed. Mayfield school
counselor Robin Lair encourages parents to watch for signs their
children are struggling with a loss.
“Everyone grieves differently. There is no right or wrong way. Usually,
kids grieve in waves. Reactions come and go and it’s a process that
takes time,” she said. “The biggest thing you can do is listen and let
them talk.”
Some signs kids are having trouble dealing with grief include:
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They ask for help
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Changes in behavior including mood swings, eating habits and sleeping habits
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Withdrawing from friends and activities
Here are some additional resources (PDF documents)
15 Ways to help your child through crisis
Children and Loss - An Overview
Helping children and adolescents cope with violence and disasters
How do I understand my child's grief?
Community counseling resources in Fulton and Montgomery counties