GRAND LEDGE — Grand Ledge Public Schools closed several schools on Thursday, May 7, to allow teachers the chance to grieve following the death of a staff member, according to a letter from Grand Ledge Superintendent Bill Barnes.
The closure was because Willow Ridge Elementary preschool teacher Chong Bedard died on Wednesday, May 6.
A post on the district’s website said all Grand Ledge elementary schools, Little Comets, Great Start Readiness Program, Head Start and Early Childhood Special Education were all closed on Thursday. In addition, the Adventure Club at Delta Center, Holbrook, Wacousta and Willow Ridge also were canceled.
“Mrs. Bedard worked in Grand Ledge Public Schools for many years, and she had a positive impact on many students, families, colleagues, and friends throughout our school community,” Barnes wrote in a letter to the community.
The decision to close schools was so teachers who worked closely with Bedard could hear the news face-to-face from leadership and have time to process their grief, Barnes wrote in his letter.
Barnes’ letter did not include Bedard’s cause of death.
“This loss is sure to bring up many emotions. While your child may not have known Mrs. Bedard, the death of a staff member in our school community can still raise questions, concerns, or feelings that are difficult for children to understand. It is normal for students, and adults, to feel sad, confused, angry, or worried after a loss,” Barnes wrote.
“If your child has questions, I encourage you to answer them in a calm, simple, and age-appropriate way. It is okay to acknowledge that this is sad news and that students will continue to be cared for at school. If you are concerned about how your child is responding, please contact your child’s principal, teacher, or school counselor so we can help connect your child with support.”
Counselors are available for anyone who needs support, Barnes wrote.
Grand Ledge High School, Distance Learning, Beagle, Hayes, Early Childhood, Adventure Club, Wacousta, Delta Center, and Holbrook tomorrow are expected to return to school as normal on Friday, May 8, with school counselors available to help students. Families with students at Willow Ridge will hear about plans for reopening by 5 p.m. Thursday, the district said.
The district originally announced Wednesday evening that the various schools would close Thursday, May 7, due to “unforeseen circumstances.” The district said there was “no safety concern” and promised additional information by 10 a.m. Thursday.
Grand Ledge high school, Beagle and Hayes schools all were scheduled to conduct classes on Thursday.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Grand Ledge schools cancels elementary classes after teacher’s death
Reporting by Dan Basso and Karly Graham, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
