BILLINGS, Mont. Over the past few months, the city of Billings has faced multiple tragedies involving the loss of several Public Schools students. This weekend, another student lost their life in a tragic accident, adding to the string of losses experienced by the community.
Gordon Klasna, the Director of Secondary Education, stated that the SD2 Crisis Response team, consisting of school counselors, is working with staff and students to help them cope with the loss. Tragedy affects everyone differently, especially children and teenagers who may struggle to express their emotions in such difficult times.
Klasna emphasized the importance of support for those affected by the tragedies, especially since the entire state is facing a shortage of mental health providers. As a result, SD2 is making efforts to provide support to all individuals impacted by these events.
In the wake of such incidents, guidance counselors visit each class the student was enrolled in to offer support and ensure that students and teachers know they are not alone. Additionally, SD2 has been awarded a grant to bolster its mental health staff and add more guidance counselors, creating a stronger support system for staff and students during challenging times.
For parents or guardians with students struggling with mental health or trauma, Klasna urged them to reach out to the school district for support, highlighting the community’s commitment to providing assistance during these challenging times.