SGCHS Mourns the Loss of Clover Longridge

May 10, 2023

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the sudden death of a student who was enrolled at Spruce Grove Composite High School. Grade 10 student, Clover Longridge, will be missed by her teachers, classmates, and the community.

Condolences on behalf of SGCHS have been sent to the family. They have been assured that our thoughts are with them now and in the coming days and weeks. PSD's Trauma Response Team members will be available to Spruce Grove Composite High School to assist students and the staff’s emotional health and well-being. This support will be available for as long as needed. Please check in at Student Services for assistance. Additional support is available by contacting the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Crisis Line at (780) 427-4491.

We are aware that students process loss in different ways, and we would encourage you to talk and listen to your children to assist them in understanding this loss. Many factors influence our reaction to death: who, how or why it happened, the support system available, age, personality, and especially previous loss experience. Your child may or may not become distraught as a result of learning about this tragedy. For your information, we have included some information which provides suggestions for helping children grieve.

Parents/Guardians, you can provide valuable assistance to your children during this time. Here are some ideas to consider when talking about this sensitive topic:

• Be attentive to your child when he/she has questions and wants to talk.
• Listen to your child’s feelings and accept them, even if they are different from yours.
• Give honest, simple, brief answers.
• Make sure that your child understands your answers and the meaning that you intend.
• Create opportunities for your children to talk about what happened and how they are feeling.
• Encourage positive self-care activities specific to your child’s preferences. Examples could be physical activity, journaling, artwork, or positive and supportive time with people they care about.
• Be especially loving and supporting; more than anyone else, your child needs you at this time.

Above all, listen to your children and let them know that their feelings are normal and acceptable.

If you have any concerns regarding your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Sincerely,

Ms. Cheryl Otto, Principal
Spruce Grove Composite High School