<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>The reason we had students raise a portion of the money was to let them feel apart of the whole grieving process.<hr></blockquote>
That is a beautiful idea, MoG. I commend your school for showing such marvelous sensitivity to the needs of the students to be allowed to grieve for these children. A project like these allows them to make some sense of it all by transforming the memory of the lost child into a lasting memorial.
Over 15 years ago now, before we had kids, my wife and I sponsored the youth group at our church. The younger brother of one of boy died in a tragic accident lining up for the community 4th of July parade. Our youth helped put on a fund-raising auction that raised enough money to completely re-equip the playground in his neighborhood park. So, I have seen for myself the value of doing this.
Jenizme, do you know if the school is planning to bring in grief counselors to talk to the kids? I know this is a fairly common procedure in this area, especially if an accident or violence was involved. When a co-worker died a few years back my company did this, and I know that it helps a lot.
I would suggest that families donate a book in the deceased student's honor to the school library.
Talk to your school's librarian to get his/her "book wish list" and have the librarian submit the list to a local book seller, or post the list on your school's web site.
Encourage the grieving friends to call the book seller to get the list.
Ask if the librarian would put a "book plate" - a sticker inside the cover, commemorating any donated books to the memory of this student.
I don't know if I can help, but our school has experienced a death of a student twice since my children attended. Here is what we did. One of the student's loved nature the outdoors and animals. The students' raised money themselves, I think it was a change drive, and they installed a pond in the outdoor classroom with a large rock engraved with his name etched on it. I believe the PTO matched the students' money. The other student loved to read books about sports and animals. The students again raised money and donated a "corner" in the library to him. It has books, and a some comfy seats in it. It also has a plaque.
The reason we had students raise a portion of the money was to let them feel apart of the whole grieving process. It helps them adjust to the death and I think it meant more to the families.
I wish you well in dealing with this difficult situation.
