Hug your kids tigthly...

[guero]

im sorry steph. life certainly is unfair, its never easy to see someone go so young.

[sdyeti]

Well, I just decided to be myself. I told them about it (many didn't know and had that visible "I'm shocked" look) and then talked about drinking and driving (even when you are the passenger). I wasn't preachy, just tried to remind them to make wise decisions.

I told them how, when we have vacations or over the summer, I pray that they will all come back safe, that I really do care about them. Many shed a tear, including me (and the school psych who had come in to support me). This was the most honest, real moment I've ever shared with my students.

[Kpeony]

Originally Posted by sdyeti

Tonight I found out that one of my high school students was killed last Thursday over spring break in Rosarito. She was a passenger in a car driven by her intoxicated cousin.

I had hoped this moment would never come in my career as an educator. Shock is the only word that I can come up with.

Please, hug your kids closely. Ask questions. Try to protect them. Love them. They are precious.

I experienced the thin thread we all walk by. My daughter was in a rear end collision she caused last Monday, and thankfully was not injured in any way. She could have been killed, mamed, paralized, etc. Hug them, love them, encourage, keep them safe. They are precious gift! K

[xhuskr]

Steph...way to be strong for your kids and not being afraid to show emotion. My thoughts will be with you today as you deal with the loss and the kids who deal with it as well. You're a good role model and should be proud

[BrewMaster]

Steph, it's good teachers like you that change kids' lives and set them on the right path in life. Way to be real with them. I'll be praying for you and your kids during this tough time.

[Burner]

wow Steph, a truly sad situation. but it sounds like you handled it the right way, and did a good thing for your students.

[Fired Yo Momma]

Sorry Steph about this issue that came up in your life. Mexico is dangerous I have been arested their as a teenager. I have had a close friend loose his life from D and D leaving Mexico and the driver was a close friend of mine that is now in prison for the death of our friend. So the day my friend lost his life I lost my other friend that is now in prison.

[andy aka rut]

Well said Sam!

Steph I'm so sorry to hear this news. My prayers and thoughts are with you and the family.

Andy

[dirtvert]

sorry to hear about your loss. i told the story to my second-graders and many of them, sadly enough, had drinking/driving stories to tell- many already knew about taking the keys away from someone who was "impaired".

[sdyeti]

omg...2nd graders had taking the keys away stories?!

Wow...at least it might sink in when they are older.

FWIW, her body is still in Mexico because of the Easter holiday. Also, her father had told her no, she couldn't got to Rosarito but she snuck out and went anyway. He had no idea she was there.

Originally Posted by dirtvert

sorry to hear about your loss. i told the story to my second-graders and many of them, sadly enough, had drinking/driving stories to tell- many already knew about taking the keys away from someone who was "impaired".

[Fired Yo Momma]

I hope the father has no issues getting her body back but remember this is Mexico and everything has a price, ahh man this sucks.

[wheezy]

I'm so sorry to hear this SD. Horrible news indeed. Mexico is a horrible place right now running rampant with these kinds of stories, and MUCH MUCH worse.

My involvement with surfing and off road racing has led me to read many incidents lately that have drawn me to the conclusion that Mexico is no longer "safe" for me or my family. I have had personal friends beaten, and families assaulted at gunpoint, left stranded, with vehicles and tools stolen. Again, Mexico is no longer safe for "us".

You make a great point about talking to the kinds SD. You have to wonder though, and I'm not throwing stones, but who lets their children (high school student?) travel into Mexico alone? Or even if supervised, to be OUT and about ALONE with other "children"? Especially in these times? Agreed, sit down with your kids and let them know how serious this kind of stuff really is.

I know I know, kids are going to do what they do. Too much of the "it'll never happen to me out there"

It's horrible. Again, I'm so sorry to hear of this.

just saw the "he had no idea she was there"...

Just heart breaking.

[sdyeti]

He had already told her she couldn't go and she deceived him and went anyway. He had forbidden her from going actually.

Originally Posted by wheezy

I'm so sorry to hear this SD. Horrible news indeed. Mexico is a horrible place right now running rampant with these kinds of stories, and MUCH MUCH worse.

My involvement with surfing and off road racing has led me to read many incidents lately that have drawn me to the conclusion that Mexico is no longer "safe" for me or my family. I have had personal friends beaten, and families assaulted at gunpoint, left stranded, with vehicles and tools stolen. Again, Mexico is no longer safe for "us".

You make a great point about talking to the kinds SD. You have to wonder though, and I'm not throwing stones, but who lets their children (high school student?) travel into Mexico alone? Or even if supervised, to be OUT and about ALONE with other "children"? Especially in these times? Agreed, sit down with your kids and let them know how serious this kind of stuff really is.

I know I know, kids are going to do what they do. Too much of the "it'll never happen to me out there"

It's horrible. Again, I'm so sorry to hear of this.

just saw the "he had no idea she was there"...

Just heart breaking.

[dirtvert]

[quote=sdyeti;241940]omg...2nd graders had taking the keys away stories?!

Wow...at least it might sink in when they are older.




most of my students also have shooting/knifing stories and many know someone who has gone to jail.

i'm sure you had a tough day today- hang in there (hug your friends)...

[foofighter]

wow that's truly tragic Steph...all this for a fun time and some booze...her cousin will have to bear that guilt for the rest of their life so many people affected by this.