We are profoundly saddened by the news of Harbe Nagi. Harbe was a cherished member of our school community, and this loss will be deeply felt by students, teachers, staff and families throughout the district.
Tragedies such as this can affect each of us differently, and children, who have not yet developed coping mechanisms, may react in unexpected ways. If you notice your child is confused or struggling, we encourage you to have open, age-appropriate conversations and seek additional support if needed.
No one has to navigate this alone. Counselors will be available at Guilderland Elementary School to provide support to students, family and staff who may need assistance today until 3:30 p.m. and again tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. If you believe your child could benefit from speaking with someone, please don’t hesitate to stop by or reach out to us.
Here are some resources to help families navigate conversations about grief with children:
- “Helping Children Deal with Grief” by Rachel Ehmke
- Recommended children’s books about grief and loss
- Meditation for Kids: Grief and Coping with Loss
We extend our deepest condolences to Harbe’s family and to all those who knew and loved him during this unimaginably difficult time.