STHS: Counselors on hand to help students cope with Dejon Smith's death

The administration team at South Tahoe High School met this weekend to prepare for the return of students on Monday, the first day of school after the death of their classmate, freshman Dejon Smith.

Principal Chad Houck sent out a phone and email message Sunday evening to all parents to inform them of the plan for Monday.

There will be two teams of counselors, one set will follow Dejon's schedule to be in each class to help students with processing the loss of a classmate and to assist the teachers. The second team will be reaching out to specific students to provide grief counseling.

Classroom SV107 will be the base of operations for any students in need. Houck has also contacted other counselors and grief support professionals in the community who will be in the room all day.

Here is Mr. Houck's message (the second situation he refers to is about the loss of a parent of two local students):

By now you have most likely heard through different media that a couple of tragedies occurred this weekend. One is more public than the other. First and foremost, I want to communicate on behalf South Tahoe High School students and staff our deepest condolences to the families involved. We never want these kinds of tragedies to happen. The second purpose of this message is to give you the information that I have at this time, and to share the work that has already been done in preparation of tomorrow at school.

Through social media Friday night it was communicated that Dejon Smith was missing. A student brought it to my attention and our admin team began working with the police to help locate him immediately. Our admin team at the school is in close contact with Police and will continue to help in any way we can. Dejan was found Saturday afternoon underneath a large fallen tree. There are many variations of this account being spread around through word of mouth and social media without accurate information. It is important to understand that the police are still investigating the circumstances, and that it is not helpful to our community and the investigation to propagate any stories other than that which is released by the authorities after their investigation is complete.

This morning the High School counseling team met to prepare for Monday. The counselors are working in teams of two:

1. Michelle Reilly and Amy Jackson will follow Dejan’s schedule and be in each class to help with processing the loss of a classmate and to assist the teachers.
2. Bob Sullivan and Natalie Collin will be reaching out to specific students to provide grief counseling.

SV107 will be the base of operations. We have also contacted other counselors and grief support professionals in the community who will be in SV107 all day for any students in need.

This will not be an easy week for our school and community. It is a time when we will be challenged emotionally and we will be able to demonstrate our character as a school where everyone wants to be every day.

It is important to only spread accurate information, especially when information can be shared so quickly and easily through social media. As I learn new information that is appropriate and helpful to share with you, I will reach out again in the same manner.

Thank you for your support and understanding.