Crisis management team in Accawmacke Elementary for grieving students

The smile of 7- year old Jordan Ayres, is a smile that won’t be seen anymore at Accawmake Elementary.

The second grader was among five people killed in a tractor trailer crash on Route 50 in Queen Anne’s County Saturday.

Dr. Jaime Ibarra, the school’s psychologist says, “These things happen, all of the sudden. They don’t happen often, so sometimes even though you’ve had training, it catches you off guard.”

To help teachers and faculty, a crisis management team was sent into the elementary school Monday morning to help with grieving students.

Dr. Ibarra continues, “Some needed a little more individualized counseling than others, they’re at an age right now where they’re beginning to understand that death is permanent.”

School psychologists have a crisis management plan for every type of incident. For this specific case, they’re following the guidelines for a student death.

Counselors say they encourage students to remember positive things about Jordan. They also say to share their feelings, whether it’s verbally or through another form. Some students are writing letters to their principal.

Dr. Jaime Ibarra says the biggest concerns students seem to have is if what happened to Jordan will happen to them.

Dr.Ibarra goes on, “The ultimate goal is to make sure that the children feel that they are safe.”

They also emphasize that what happened to Jordan was an isolated incident. However, Dr. Ibarra explains for those who may not be showing emotions now, they may do so later once the news of her death sinks in.

He says if parents notice any changes in their child’s behavior, they should contact the school for their free counseling services.