Union School Counselors Help Students With Their Grief

Tulsa Union 6th graders went to school as they normally would Thursday, but of course, Thursday was not a normal day. That's the challenge that teachers and counselors faced. <br/><br/>News on 6

Thursday, September 14th 2006, 10:36 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa Union 6th graders went to school as they normally would Thursday, but of course, Thursday was not a normal day. That's the challenge that teachers and counselors faced.

News on 6 reporter Steve Berg says their job is to help the kids here through their grief. At the same time, they have their own grief too.

Counselor Jean Thomason said the main thing they try to do is listen. She said Fabian Saenz's main group of friends was at school Thursday and that they are sticking close together, helping one another cope. But she thought they were doing extremely well under the circumstances. "They're signing some cards, trying to think of some things to do for the family. I think that helps in the grieving process, to have something to do."

Union 6th and 7th Grade Center principal Steve Pittman: "What's particularly hard is walking the halls because we've made it a priority for all of us to be in the hallways with the kids all day today. And it's just hard to watch the kids, because you really feel sorry for the kids."

We asked Thomason what her advice for parents would be. She said they should avoid hovering over their kids, but just be ready to listen if the kids want to talk.