December 22, 2020
Dear Patterson Elementary School Parents, Families and Staff,
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of one of our teachers, Ms. Nichole Green, following a tragic car accident over the weekend. As a cherished member of our tightknit Patterson family, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A member of the Patterson community for 7 years, Ms. Green loved our school and was loved by all. During her tenure at Patterson, Ms. Green not only served as the Reading Recovery Teacher where she worked directly with our 1st grade students and teachers, but she also maintained our social media sites. Moreover, Ms. Green served as one of the school photographers and made sure to capture all the school events by photo and video. She was truly a pillar of Patterson Elementary and we will miss her dearly!
This is a devastating loss, and it is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions from our entire school community, especially our students. We want to share our plans to support our community as we grieve.
We are currently receiving support from the DC Public Schools Crisis Response Team, a team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, families, and school personnel during difficult times such as this. Patterson’s wellness team is closely monitoring students throughout the school day today, particularly those who had relationships with Ms. Green.
Additionally, there will be optional virtual support meetings for staff and families this week on Teams. The meetings will provide space and time to talk and share their feelings.
- Click here to attend the session for staff today, December 22, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
- Click here to attend the parent session tomorrow, December 23, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Navigating conversations about death with young children can be difficult and complex. The article linked below can be used as a resource as you help your child cope.
- The Do’s and Don’ts of Talking With A Child About Death: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/two-takes-depression/201612/the-dos-and-donts-talking-child-about-death
Resources will continue to be made available to anyone who needs additional support. If you or any of your family members are upset or notice a sudden change in your child’s behavior and/or health that is unexplainable to you, please contact us. There is assistance available, and we care.
On behalf of the Patterson Elementary School community, I extend my deepest condolences to Ms. Green’s family and friends. If you know of any way we can be of further assistance, please reach out to me directly at victorie.thomas@k12.dc.gov.
Please see letters from Patterson Elementary and Washington Teachers’ Union.
2020.12.21_Patterson ES_N.Green
Please see attachments on helping your child cope with grief.