September 6, 2022
Greetings Woodworth Community,
It is with a heavy heart I share with you sad news about a member of our Woodworth family.
Ibrahem Ali, an 8th grader at Woodworth died over the weekend while away with his family in Chicago. I was able to speak with Ibrahem’s family to express our sorrow and offer our support to the family.
Our Woodworth family is shocked and devastated by this very sad news. Our most sincere prayers are with the family as they grieve the loss of their child. I ask everyone to send loving thoughts of compassion and support to the family and ask that we all respect their privacy at this most tragic and sorrowful time.
Our school social workers and crisis team, supported by the District crisis team, will be available at our schools to provide support to any of our students or staff in need. Below are helpful tips that our Social Workers have provided that may help parents when talking with their child about tragic events such as this. In addition, our crisis hotline in the district which consists of school social workers and psychologists will be available for students and staff to support their emotional well being. The email address is dss@dearbornschools.org and the phone number is (313) 827-8500.
The loss of life is always sad and the loss of such a young life filled with so much love and joy is even harder for all of us. Continued prayers and our deepest condolences to the entire Ali family. I know the strength and caring nature of our Woodworth community will help all of us through this very difficult time.
Thank You.
Nicole Rabac
Principal
Resource for parents
Experiencing, witnessing, or even hearing of a traumatic incident may affect a child or adult in a variety of ways; therefore, it is very important that students and teachers be given ample opportunities to ask questions and to talk about their reactions.
For some students a death of someone they know may remind them of some other loss in their lives. For others, this may be their first encounter with death. When reacting to a traumatic incident, students may display behaviors such as the following:
- Cling closely to adults
- Display regressive behaviors
- Appear not to be affected
- Think about it privately
- Ask a lot of questions
- Appear frightened
- Appear agitated and angry
- Appear sad and withdrawn
- Display difficulty sleeping
- Stomach aches and/or headaches
We suggest that you make an extra effort to listen to your child during this time. It is important that you deal honestly and directly with any questions that he or she may have. Referring to death as passing away may result in confusion and it is appropriate that you use the word “death” in your discussions. Should you have difficulty approaching this issue or if you would like additional information about talking to your child about death, we have material available at school.
Below are some other suggestions that parents may find useful in helping their child:
- Be a good listener. Listen carefully for any misconceptions or distortions your child may have.
- Provide physical closeness. Spend extra time with your child. Talk and offer reassurance.
- Encourage your child to ask questions and to discuss their feelings.
لقراءة هذه الرسالة باللغة العربية الرجاء الضغط على الرابط التالي
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lpRK3CXqrG3RZ3PPIu8ruVqCnAF9B-Vv3vRIn9hQm1Q/edit?usp=sharing