Dear Scioto Darby Families,

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that Colin Fraley, one of our fifth grade students, passed away today. According to the Hilliard Police the circumstances are still being investigated.

We are all deeply saddened by this event. Please take this opportunity to inform your student about this situation and share any information about your family's personal beliefs and preferences related to Colin's passing. Death is a difficult topic for many adults and also children handle this stress in a variety of ways. It is natural for them to ask questions or to display behaviors such as:

clinging close to adults;

displaying regressive behaviors;

repetitively re-enacting the event in play activities;

appearing not to be affected;

thinking about it privately;

appearing frightened, agitated or angry;

experiencing difficulty sleeping; and,

complaining of stomachaches or not feeling well.

It is important to listen to your child, help them understand what has happened and return to normal every day activities.

We are currently working out details to support students, staff and families during this difficult time. We will have counselors available should students or staff need additional support. While each of us will handle this news in a different manner, it is important that we are supportive of each other as we return to a normal routine.

Please keep Colin's family in your thoughts and feel free to contact the school office if needed.