Ms. Helen Johns

April 19, 2009

It is with saddened hearts that we return to school on Monday following Ms. Johns' unexpected death. It is important to help the students through the grieving process, while recognizing that students grieve in different ways. I have asked the staff to arrive to school by 7:20 AM, before most of the students arrive. This will allow students who arrive early to have teachers and counselors available to them. It is our hope to assist students in understanding that although Ms. Johns is gone, the memories of her giving nature and positive contributions will always be part of the St. Mary legacy.

In order to help the students, we have established the following procedures:

Counseling Sessions: There will be 5 counselors and a nurse available to assist students and staff as necessary (Mrs. Georgetti, Mr. Galka, and 3 members of the Bergen County Traumatic Counseling Unit). If a student needs to speak to a counselor, he/she will be permitted to leave his/her class and seek immediate assistance. Students will be accompanied by another student and the Main Office will be notified immediately. This will allow us to keep track of all students for their safety.

• Guidance Office (2)
• Father Chuck's Office
• Learning Center (Matt Stone's old office)
• Nurse's Office

All areas will remain open for one half hour after school or longer, if necessary. All staff members have been requested to remain until 3:00 PM. This will ensure that all students have someone to monitor their behavior before leaving for home.

**The location of these counseling centers will be announced to all students during their homeroom period and will be posted in the hallways.

FYI: A Trauma Counselor along with a teacher will cover all of Ms. Johns' homeroom and subsequent class periods.

• Father Chuck will open
• Student(s) will speak
• Mrs. Gloria Killings will speak
• Principal will close
• Student will play piano during a "Moment of Reflection"

I am asking all teachers to maintain their class routine as closely as possible. If students need to discuss Mrs. Johns' passing, they will have a meaningful discussion about her and her contributions to St. Mary High School.

Parents are encouraged to notify the guidance office if your child demonstrates the need for additional support. We are all working together to get through this extremely difficult time. Ms. Johns was one of the kindest and giving people I have ever met. We will all miss her dearly.

Please do not hesitate to call my office if you have any concerns.

Mr. Roy J. Corso
Principal