Dear Morse Parents & Guardians:
I am writing today in the wake of an unthinkable tragedy and an ongoing situation in our neighboring community of Lewiston. Tragedy resulting in the loss of life to this magnitude has not been experienced by the vast majority of students and adults within our school community.
Senseless tragedy and the mass loss of life is more than any of us can understand and it will be the most difficult for our young people to process and cope with. We may feel a variety of emotions: shock, sadness, helplessness, confusion, fear, anger, or a combination thereof. What is most important is that we care for and support each other as we work through this tragedy that did not need to happen.
The Crisis Response Team at Morse has made plans to respond to the emotional needs of our students. When we return to school we will acknowledge this tragedy in our first period classes and let students know about the resources that we have available. School counselors and social workers are ready to assist students who require help in processing this senseless loss of life.
This tragedy will have direct and indirect effects on the students and staff in our school community and we want to provide assistance as needed. Please let your student’s school counselor know if there is any additional information the school should be aware of so we can provide the support that your student needs as they return to school.
This difficult time can be scary, stressful, sad, and confusing. A tragedy of this scale may affect you as well as your student. It is for this reason that we especially want you to know of our care and support for your student through this very challenging time.
Sincerely,
Eric J. Varney
Principal
Morse High School