Date

Dear Family Members,

We regret to inform you about an unfortunate event affecting our school. Yesterday [brief factual statement about event]. An investigation is underway, and until it is complete, we will not have all the details about this tragedy.

The school's crisis team has begun meeting with students and staff. We anticipate that some may need continuing support for a while to help them deal with the emotional upset that such an event produces. Enclosed are some materials that you may find helpful in talking about the matter at home.

If you have any questions or concerns that you think we can help address, please feel free to call the school [phone number] and ask for any of the following staff: [________________]

The following community agencies also are ready to help anyone who is feeling overwhelmed by their emotions:

• Community mental health center (phone)

• Family services (phone)

• Etc.

We know that events such as this are stressful. We are taking every step we can to be responsive to the needs of our students and their families.

Sincerely,

Principal's signature

Principal

Reference

Center for Mental Health Services at UCLA (2000). A Resource Aid Packet on Responding to a Crisis at a School. Los Angeles, CA: Author.