As many of you are aware, we lost a student over break. We want to respect the family as they try to understand and process this tragedy. The family has requested privacy during this time. FHS will do our best to limit any public posting to respect the family's wishes for privacy. We will be in contact with parents and students through this email as well as sending notes home with students.
Our focus today will be on the wellbeing of our students as they grieve. We have many counselors available as well as coaches, pastors and adult mentors in the building today.
Here was my message to the students this morning:
Students and Staff,
It is with extreme sadness that I report to you the passing of Michael Chambers who passed away last Tuesday night. Michael’s memory will live on in our hearts and minds but also in body. Michael was a registered organ donor, and right now, he is saving many lives.
For the coming days, we want to protect classrooms from this tragedy. As students grieve, so too do our teachers. We want classrooms to be focused on education and be as free as possible from this tragedy. That allows students who need peace in their lives to continue in as normal a day as possible. For that reason, we are asking all students who are grieving or who have questions to please come to the office. We want to help you process this loss. We have many counselors available to support you.
We are all impacted by Michael’s passing. We will greatly miss his smile and his personality. We can find comfort in the idea that Michael has given the gift of life to many other people. Michael’s parents are requesting that we celebrate Michael’s life and that is exactly what we need to do.
We do not have Michael’s final details available yet, but we will let you know when we find out. Please come to the office if you want to talk or if you just need a quiet place. We are here to help you.
Scott Sherman
Support Information
Arbor Circle in Newaygo County: http://www.arborcircle.org/programs-services
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 24/7 trained support
Crisis Text Line for Teens Text "Listen" to 741-741 24/7 trained support
Please remember to remind your child to report any neglect or bullying they see. 