Burlington Township Schools
A Message to Our Community

Dear Burlington Township Families,


 

Needless to say the past few days have been painful for our entire community.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have been touched by the sudden death of two of our high school students.


 

This District is working closely with the Burlington County Crisis Response Team and the Traumatic Loss Coalition (T.L.C.) for Youth.  These teams continue to provide us with expert counseling support to assist our students, parents, and staff with the grieving process.   In addition to counseling opportunities throughout the day, last evening we offered on campus counseling support for our community by T.L.C. and our local Faith Based Partners.  


 

This morning, the High School administrators gathered staff and students in the PAC to talk and to allow them time to come together.  Counseling was offered throughout the day in safe zones throughout the building.  In elementary and middle school, only those students who have sought assistance or have been directly impacted by this tragedy have been counseled in an age appropriate manner.  


 

We are committed to providing continuing support to our community.  This evening, January 6th, we will host a brief program  at 6:00 P.M. in the PAC for school community members.  Representatives from T.L.C. will provide guidance for families on how to cope with the trauma of losing a child suddenly.  Immediately following the brief program, counseling will be available in designated areas in the High School until 8:00 P.M.


 

It is in times like these that we need to come together as a community to support each other.  Burlington Township is a strong and resilient community unlike any other.  No one has to go through this alone.  We encourage you to take advantage of the support opportunities that we have for you.


 

Please feel free to reach out to your child's guidance counselor or the building administration for assistance.  We are all here for you.


 

Liz Scott

Postponed Activities

Mr. BTHS and the Parent PAARC program, scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, 2015, have been postponed.  
A new date will be advertised at a later today.
Helping Your Child Cope With Grief
  • Allow children to be the teachers about their grief experiences
  • Don't assume that every child in a certain age group understands death in the same way or with the same feelings
  • Grieving is a process, not an event
  • Help all children, regardless of age, to understand loss and death
  • Encourage children to ask questions about loss and death
  • Children will need long-lasting support
  • Be aware of your own need to grieve

    Click the link below to read the complete article:  
     Helping Children Cope With Loss, Death, and Grief:   Tips for Teachers and Parents
Resources
 
The following are additional resources that may be helpful:

  • Screening and Crisis Intervention Program S.C.I.P. at 609-261-8000 
  • The Burlington County Crisis Helpline (866-234-5006) is available 24 hours a day. 




Liz Scott, Public Relations Coordinator
Burlington Township Schools
700 Jacksonville Road
Burlington, NJ  08016
Phone: 609-387-3955 ext 2074
Fax: 609-387-8968