Sad News and Grief Resources for Parents
Dear Lansing USD 469 Parents / Guardians,
It is with great sadness that we must inform you about a tragic loss to our school community. On Saturday, October 24, 2020, two of our Lansing Middle School students, a 7th grader and 8th grader, were found deceased in their home. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school, especially our students.
Lansing USD 469 has a Crisis Intervention Team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this. We have counselors and other staff members available for any student who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss.
Please click here for information that may be useful to you in helping your child at home. If you would like additional information or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact one of the following Lansing USD 469 counselors / psychologists:
Lansing Elementary School
Christine Bachtel, M.A., LPC, NCC |
Mary Yandura |
Barb Dayal |
913-283-5247 |
913-535-6529 |
913-727-1128 |
Christine.bachtel@usd469.net |
mary.yandura@usd469.net |
Barb.dayal@usd469.net |
Lansing Intermediate School
Janet Farrar |
Dayna Browne |
913-297-0990 |
913-557-0238 |
Janet.farrar@usd469.net |
Dayna.browne@usd469.net |
Lansing Middle School
Maggie Peterson |
Brett Murray |
913-535-6723 |
913-727-1197 |
Maggie.peterson@usd469.net |
Brett.murray@usd469.net |
Lansing High School
Wes Cackler |
Kristie Wessel |
Rebecca Davis |
913-283-5475 |
913-297-9469 |
913-585-4064 |
Wes.cackler@usd469.net |
Kristie.wessel@usd469.net |
Rebecca.davis@usd469.net |
Jake Hanson |
Jake Hanson |
Kari Anderson |
913-535-6898 |
913-535-6898 |
913-298-1116 |
Jake.hanson@usd469.net |
Jake.hanson@usd469.net |
Kari.anderson@usd469.net |
Please realize that reactions to death (and stress) are varied and can depend upon such factors as age, personality, previous losses, and relationship to the victims. If you feel your child has been affected by this situation, you can assist your child by doing the following: s
- Take time to listen to and talk with your child about what has happened.
- Reassure your child that you will be available to help him/her through this difficult time.
- Help your child verbalize some of the feelings he/she might be feeling but is unable to express.
- Reassure your child that you will do all you can to keep him/her safe. Providing specific examples may help to reduce some of the fear and anxiety.
- Discuss some of the things you and your child might do to express your concern for the victim’s family.
Any changes in your child’s behavior, which seem extreme and/or do not seem to go away, should be brought to the attention of the school guidance counselor or someone in the community of your choosing who can assist your child. We will continue to have staff available at school to assist our students in coping with this loss. For additional help in dealing with loss, please visit our Lansing USD469 Mental Health Services page at:
https://www.usd469.net/vnews/display.v/SEC/District%7CMental%20Health%20Services
We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child as you need.
Sincerely,
Dan Wessel, Superintendent of Schools