Sad News to Share from Buckeye Elementary

To all Buckeye Union,

We wish to make you aware of a tragic event that has impacted the Buckeye Elementary School community. The following message was shared with Buckeye Elementary School families this evening.

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Dear Buckeye Families,

It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our third-grade teachers, Mrs. Shelley Snyder. We were informed by the El Dorado County Sheriff's Department, and their communication can be found at this link: 

https://www.facebook.com/eldoradosheriff/

This loss is profound and will be deeply felt by our entire Buckeye Elementary community and beyond. Mrs. Snyder was a valued member of our school family, and we know many students, staff, and families will be affected by this news in different ways.

Tomorrow, February 19, Principal Cadden and members of the counseling team will be on site at Buckeye to meet with anyone who would like to talk and process this loss together. We will be available from 9:00 to 1:00, or longer if needed.

When we return to school on Monday, February 23rd, counseling support will be available for anyone who may need it. Our school counselor, Mrs. Dariano, and school psychologist, Mrs. King, will be on campus, and additional counselors will be available throughout the week and beyond. We encourage families to reach out to the front office if your child may need extra support.

On Monday morning, teachers will share the news of our school's loss with students in grades 3 through 5. These conversations will focus on the fact that Mrs. Snyder has died and that we are here to support one another; however, they will not address the specifics of the incident.

If you do not want your child to be part of the classroom discussion that will take place Monday morning, please notify us at this link: Click Here. We will arrange an alternative space for them.

If at any point you observe that your child would benefit from speaking with a counselor, please contact Mr. Cadden and he will make arrangements.

Even children who did not know Mrs. Snyder may experience difficulty coping with the concept and finality of death. Your child may want to talk about this tragedy or may have difficulty doing so. It is appropriate to raise the subject with them. Some parents may find that their children experience noticeable reactions for a period of time, such as crying, periods of quietness, moodiness, or difficulty sleeping. If you observe such behaviors and would like support, please reach out to Mr. Cadden and he will arrange for a counselor to meet with your child.

When discussing death with your child, here are some ideas that may help:

Be prepared for a variety of emotional responses. However you approach this subject, your child may be upset or even angry. Accept your child's emotional reactions. You will have time to revisit things after your child has had a chance to process the initial shock.

Use the words "dead" or "died." Many people find these words uncomfortable and prefer phrases like "passed away" or "went to sleep," but research shows that using direct language to describe death helps the grieving process.

Share information in small doses. Gauge what your child can handle by giving information a little at a time. Your child's questions will guide you on what more to share.

Be comfortable saying, "I don't know." Having all the answers is never easy, especially during a time of such heartache. It is perfectly fine to tell your child that you don't have all the answers.

Cry. Cry together. Cry often. It's healthy and healing.

Let your child grieve in their own way. It is natural for a child to be silent, to feel lonely, or to isolate themselves. It is also common for children to seem unaffected by the loss. There is no right way to grieve.

Be prepared to talk about thoughts and feelings often. You may need to return to the subject of death for days, weeks, and months to come. Check in and be available for ongoing conversations, as mourning is a process.

Remember to take care of yourself. As parents, we sometimes forget about our own needs during difficult times. Children learn from what they see, so be a role model for self-care.

Although we do not intend to discuss the details of this incident at school, students may still learn of the circumstances from other sources and share them with peers. Teachers will work to redirect conversations toward the importance of sharing our feelings and supporting one another.

If you feel it is appropriate to have a more direct conversation with your child that includes acknowledgment of the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Snyder's death, here are some considerations for approaching that conversation: Click Here.

As a school community, we will navigate this difficult time together with patience, understanding, and care for one another. The safety and well-being of our students and families remains our highest priority, and we are committed to providing ongoing support for as long as it is needed.

In the days and weeks ahead, please don't hesitate to reach out with any concerns, questions, or if your family needs additional support. We encourage open communication between home and school as we work together to help our children process this loss and begin to heal.

Our thoughts are with Mrs. Snyder's family, loved ones, and all who knew and cared for her. Thank you for supporting one another and helping us take care of our Buckeye community.

With sympathy and support, 

Kevin Cadden, Principal 

David Roth, Superintendent

 

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