Etiwanda Colony Elementary 13144 Banyan Street Etiwanda, CA 91739 (909) 803-3911 (909) 803-3017 Absence Line (909) 803-3917 Fax “The PRIDE of Etiwanda” Darlene Carlmark, Principal Kelly Mauricio, Assistant Principal December 1, 2014 Dear Etiwanda Colony Parents and Guardians, Those of you who attended Etiwanda Colony last year may have realized that we are coming ‘upon the one year anniversary of the tragic accident that resulted in the death of one of our students, 3" grader, Ashlyn Gardner. As in all grief situations, finding a special way to remember a loved one or friend is part of the healing process when grieving. In memory of Ashlyn, our schoo! has a beautiful “buddy bench” that is decorated with Ashlyn’s hand drawn art represented in mosaic tile. We also have a lovely tree outside Mrs. Geye’s room and the many, many books families have donated to our library bearing nameplates in her memory. We realize that approaching the anniversary could be a difficult time for you and your child. Here are some suggestions on how to be supportive: ‘Suggestions First, there is no “right” way to respond to loss. Each person deals with loss differently. Being genuine, sincere and attentive is very important. * Let your child express how they are feeling by doing a remembrance at home — plant a flower, donate to a cause, write a letter, draw a picture, talk about a special memory. ‘Accept your child's feelings as they are stated in their own words. Resist the temptation to minimize their pain. Allow for regressive behaviors ~ behavior may change and become more emotional Be especially empathetic and non-judgmental know that children move in and out of the grief process, and anniversaries can often retrigger stages of grief. © Encourage children to have fun and play. On Wednesday at the end of the day, a memory bracelet will be available from your child's teacher. These bracelets are for our older students ~ 3°, 4" and 5" graders. They were donated by a Colony Cub parent. Should your child desire a bracelet, s/he simply needs to ask for one from the teacher. sincerely, Wun. Catrmot Mrs. Carlmark