Important Message
Dear Lufkin Road Middle School Families,
It is with heavy hearts that we send this message, but we were informed this evening that we lost our principal, Mrs. Karen Sinders, earlier today. She died unexpectedly at school and at this time no more information is available. This is a tragic loss and we wanted to give you the information as quickly as possible so we can be there to support each other in the coming days and weeks. She was a leader who had immense impact and reach in the school and greater community. She will be greatly missed by the students and the staff here at Lufkin Middle School. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this time of loss. At this time, the family requests space and privacy. .
There will be support for your student(s). Our counseling and student services team will be available as well as support from the District Crisis Team. There will be Spanish speaking personnel onsite.
As a parent or guardian, we wanted you to know and give you the opportunity to decide if this is information you want to share. As you think about how to care for your child, there are some resources that you might find helpful to assist your child through this loss. WCPSS has partnered with Transitions GriefCare in hopes of better supporting our grieving families, students and staff members. Transitions GriefCare offers a range of support services to help children & teens explore, understand and express their grief. Their services are available to anyone in our community at no cost.
After a traumatic event such as the death of someone they are familiar with, we can expect students to feel anxious, sad, fearful, angry, or vulnerable. They may be scared of losing someone else close to them. Through encouraging discussion, being supportive of feelings, providing factual information and suggesting positive outlets, you can help your child be aware of and process their emotions. Every child is different, and the emotional response may vary in duration.
To be sure, these are heavy moments that we will work through together as a school family.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Enns,
Southwestern Area Superintendent
Wake County Public School System
Additional Resources:
Alliance Behavioral Health Care: 1-800-510-9132
