July 15, 2016

Dear Shipley Upper School Families,

It is with profound sadness that I follow up on Steve’s letter about Austin’s passing. We recognize that members of the community may want to come to campus to process the loss. We will have counselors here on campus today, July 15, 2016 from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm in the Shipley Commons. Students, parents and colleagues are welcome to drop in. Additionally, members of the Boy’s Varsity Soccer team are welcome to gather at 5:00-5:45 pm. Thom Schauerman, Coach of the Varsity Boys’ Soccer Team, US Administration and counseling staff will be on hand for Austin’s teammates.

In the next few days, we expect that you and your child may feel a range of emotions. Although we don’t have the routine of school, we will be providing counseling support next week. Therapists from Montgomery County Children's Crisis Support are available to help anyone who feels they may want to talk, or may need to take some time out of their day to process how they are feeling. I am including the link to their website. They can be reached on their phone support line 24/7 at: 1-888-HELP-414. Over the weekend and coming week, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about your child. I am listing our contact information below. I am also including some additional links at the end of the letter which may be useful (these were also included in Steve’s email).

Sharron Russell, Director of Student Support: srussell@shipleyschool.org
Adrienne O’Hara, Upper School Counselor: aohara@shipleyschool.org
Anna Dejdar, 12th Grade Dean: adejdar@shipleyschool.org
Patty Lein, Academic Dean: plein@shipleyschool.org
Margaret van Steenwyk, Head of Upper School: mvansteenwyk@shipleyschool.org

I know you will join us in keeping the Wylie family in your thoughts and prayers. As always, please reach out to me if there is anything we can do help your or your children.

Margaret van Steenwyk
Head of Upper School

Grief Counseling List

Handout for Parents

Addressing Questions