Students and families in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District are heartbroken with the recent passing of Strath Haven High School junior Hallie Jackson. On Monday, during SHHS’s fourth block, around 1 p.m., all teachers received an email to read to their classes. The email stated that a student, Hallie Jackson, had passed away and that guidance counselors would be available to anyone who needed to talk.
In a message to the community which she read at Monday’s WSSD school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Lisa Palmer said, “Our thoughts and sympathies are with [Hallie’s] family and her friends.” She said that the school district has established support centers in the middle and high school. These centers have been staffed with guidance counselors, school psychologists, and members of the crisis intervention team and will be made available to all students. Dr. Palmer encourages those whose students need additional support to contact the school office, principal, or guidance counselors. A resource guide for those that need help will be made available to the community through the district website. Dr. Palmer encouraged the community to keep Hallie and her family in their prayers.
School was in session on Tuesday, however, students had the option to meet with guidance counselors in the library. At this time, teachers are being flexible in terms of due dates with students who are grieving.
The remainder of the business of the October 28 school board meeting was quickly concluded. The focus topic — discussion of the district’s continuing exploration of investigation into later start times for WSSD schools — will be taken up at the next meeting, scheduled for Monday, November 11.
Mira Patel of Swarthmore is a junior at Strath Haven High School.
