The Christian County Sheriff is investigating the death of an eighth grader on the campus of Nixa Junior High School.
It happened Tuesday morning.
Authorities have not said how the boy died. The Sheriff says a preliminary investigation indicates the boy had committed suicide.
Crisis counselors have been on hand to help students dealing with the tragedy.
The district sent home a letter to parents, letting them know about the investigation and asking them to talk to their child about their feelings.
KTTS News has not released the student’s name.
Here’s part of the note that was sent home to parents:
Today in class, the teachers, crisis response team, and counselors talked with the students about the situation and their feelings. Please be sensitive to any changes in your child’s behavior. Over the next few days, encourage your child to express his or her feelings and listen attentively.
It will be helpful to recognize the various steps we all go through in the grieving process: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Some of the common reactions that children experience when reacting to a traumatic event are the following:
- Restlessness, nervous behavior
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping, nightmares
- “Clingy” behavior, fear of being alone
- Asking questions over and over again
- Remembering previous losses and events
If you have any concerns about your child’s reactions to this loss, feel free to contact your child’s teacher, the school counselors, or the administrative staff.
Thank you for your concern at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Webster
