Counselora · Student Support
Requesting school support while grieving
Grades 9–12 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Request a specific school adjustment without sharing private details.
A school situation
Alex has returned after a death in the family. Several deadlines are due at once. Alex does not want to explain the loss to every teacher.
Words the student could use
“I am dealing with a loss. Can we ask the counselor to help coordinate a manageable plan?”
Another situation
A class presentation brings up memories of someone Morgan lost. Morgan wants to speak privately with an adult.
What could the student ask or do?
One possible response
“Could we arrange a private check-in? I do not want to discuss this with the class.”
My school support card
I can point to or choose one: □ Show me the first step. □ Help me check the information. □ I need a private conversation. □ I need a pause with an adult.
My request: ________________________________________________
A school adult I can ask: ________________________________
If that adult is away: another available teacher, counselor, or office adult.
Words a school adult could use “I am sorry. You do not have to talk about what happened. Would you like quiet company, a short pause, or help starting one part of class?”
The student may feel sad, angry, quiet, distracted, or something else. This page does not ask the student to describe the death.
Check-in note Student request: ________________________________ Support agreed: ________________________________ School adult and time to check back: ________________________________