Message sent on February 27, 2023
Good afternoon Rossmoyne and Allen Families and Staff,
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the unexpected death of our colleague and friend, Mrs. Luann Dougherty. Mrs. Dougherty, a health room nurse at Rossmoyne Elementary and Allen Middle School, had been a valued member of West Shore’s team since January 2009.
On behalf of our West Shore family, we have extended our deepest sympathies to Mrs. Dougherty’s family and hope you will join us in offering them our continued support as they go through this difficult time.
We have not shared this news with your child. We wanted to provide families with the opportunity to discuss the loss with their child first, but we are here to support you. Tonight, when your child comes home from school, please listen to what they may have to say regarding the death and discuss their feelings and reactions. Your child may experience signs of stress which could include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Inability to concentrate
- Absentmindedness
- Thoughts about death or dying
- Isolation
- Withdrawing from normal activities and friends
- Guilt
- Fearfulness and worries
- Use of alcohol or other drugs
If you feel your child is experiencing signs of unusual stress, please reach out to us so that we can assist your family. Other options for families are the Teenline hotline (
717-763-2345 or
1-800-722-5385) which offers trained counselors to help youth and Highmark Caring Place (
www.highmarkcaringplace.com) which provides support for families dealing with grief.
Sincerely,
Christopher Stine
Principal, Rossmoyne Elementary
223-225-9729
Brian Granger
Principal, Allen Middle School
717-901-9552