Crime & Safety

FCPS Suggests Ways to Deal With Student's Death at Home

Counselors are available to help students stricken by the loss of Bryan Glenn.

Editor's Note: Fairfax County Public Schools sent this message out to parents Monday afternoon after the body of Bryan Glenn was found in the woods near Thaiss Park.

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

Several media outlets are reporting that a body has been found in Thaiss Park today. The Fairfax County Police Department has yet to confirm the identity. Our thoughts are with the family of Woodson High School senior Bryan Glenn as they cope with this news. School counselors can provide support for students at our schools beginning tomorrow. 

Here’s some information that parents/guardians may find helpful as you deal with your students at home. Please do not hesitate to contact your student’s school counselor if you are concerned about the manner in which your student has responded to this event. 

Here are some guidelines for parents/guardians to consider regarding the death of a child. Your child may exhibit one or a number of possible reactions following this experience over the next several weeks. Reactions may include: 

1. Tearfulness 

2. Sleep problems 

3. Irritability 

4. Clingy behavior 

5. Somatic complaints such as: headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue. 

If your child continues to demonstrate these reactions over an extended period of time or if your child’s reactions are extreme at any time, you are encouraged to contact your student’s school counselor, the school psychologist, or the school social worker. 

How to help your child cope with grief: 

1. Allow your child to talk about the death, express fears, cry, and be sad. 

2. Use the deceased person’s proper name and use correct terminology when talking about the death. For example, say “dead” instead of “he’s passed on.” 

3. Explain your feelings to your child, especially if you are crying. Parents/Guardians are role models and it’s normal for children to see your sadness and to share your feelings. 

More useful information is also available at: http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/Tips-Supporting-Children-Youth.aspx

Related Stories: 

Find out what's happening in Fairfax Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Woodson Senior Missing Since Monday
Thaiss Park Closed While Police Search for Bryan Glenn
Friends of Missing Teen Say 'Bryan Did Not Just Walk Away'
Family Fights to Bring Missing Son Home 

Help Bryan's Family Search Thaiss Park
UPDATE: Missing Teen Found Dead in Thaiss Park
VIDEO: Police Answer Questions About Body Found at Thaiss Park 
 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.