Dear Families,
I am writing to share some important information about an initiative that Sharing Kindness is offering our district: a school-based peer grief support group.
We all recognize that the loss of a significant person—whether a family member, friend, or other close individual—can be a deeply challenging and life-altering experience. For children, youth, and teens, the impact of grief can be even more profound, as they navigate their feelings and try to understand their emotions, often without fully knowing how to process such intense pain. Whether the loss occurred recently or years ago, the grieving process is complex, and every individual experiences it differently.
While grief can be isolating, it is crucial for children to know they are not alone. A peer grief support group at school provides a safe, empathic, confidential space where children can connect with others who have experienced similar losses. In these groups, they can openly express their emotions, share their stories, and realize their feelings are valid. Talking to peers who truly understand can foster healing, build resilience, and help children feel supported as they work through their grief.
A school-based support group also benefits children by offering guidance from trained facilitators (a licensed clinician and a trained volunteer) who can help them navigate the difficult emotions that often accompany grief. These groups allow for an open dialogue where coping skills and healthy emotional expression are explored, which can have a lasting, positive impact on their mental well-being. This setting allows your child to be supported in a familiar and comfortable environment.
We know grief doesn't have a timeline, and it can resurface at unexpected moments. Participation in a peer grief support group gives your child access to ongoing support, helping them feel less alone in their journey.
As parents and caregivers, you play an irreplaceable role in supporting your child through this time, but it can be difficult to know how to help them process their grief as you are navigating your own. A school-based support group offers an additional layer of support, which can complement the love and care you provide at home. I strongly encourage you to consider the benefits of a peer grief support group for your child. It could be an invaluable step toward helping them understand and process their emotions in a healthy, supportive way.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the program, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can provide your child with the care and understanding they need during this challenging time.
Kathleen Shine-O'Brien, M.A., LMHC
EMDR trained therapist
Director of Clincial & Community Services
Sharing Kindness
The MRHS Wellness Department is happy to announce our Teen Wellness Fair on Thursday, April 3rd (DAY 6 EFGAB) in the gym.
“Catch the Wellness Wave”
Our goal is to provide a mix of hands-on activities, information booths, games, and physical fitness challenges for students to explore the many aspects of wellness. Students will be issued a “passport” to travel around the fair.
The Animal Welfare Club carried on their three-year-old tradition of visiting elementary school students at HES and CES to teach about pet care, wild animal encounters, and do's and don'ts around animals in general. Enjoy our photos! If you would like to see the fantastic slideshow the club put together, just go ahead and click below!
If you need financial assistance to purchase a yearbook please email Mrs. Francesconi (kfrancesoni@monomoy.edu).
The Diversity Club, with the help of donations from the community, Stop and Shop, and Google . Org Teen Mental Health Initiative, can distribute individual bags of food on Fridays. They are handed out at the end of the day and are available to anyone who needs them. Pick up in the Main Office lobby as you are heading out to your bus!
Get your tickets today! The Class of 2027 is hosting our biggest fundraiser on April 4 in the high school gym. The Famous Harlem Wizards will be playing a basketball game with music, tricks and lots of laughs against a team of Monomoy Sharks. If you're interested in being a sponsor, please contact Betsy Casey (bcasey@monomoy.edu) or complete the attached form. As a reminder, we're asking for donations from parents of the class of 2027 for the concession stand and bake sale. The doors open at 5:30 and the game starts at 6:30 pm. We hope to see you on April 4!
Ticket URL: https://www.harlemwizards.com/tickets/harwich Custom Video URL:
We are only two weeks away from our 2nd annual Booster Club Comedy Night at Pelham House resort on Friday March 21st. Doors open at 6:30pm. We hope to see you there for a fun evening that supports our student-athletes! This is a 21+ event.
Get your tickets now! For tickets, to donate, or sponsor, please visit: https://www.funny4funds.com/events/monomoy-booster-club-fundraiser/1432
Click here to access the Monomoy All Sports Booster Club's merch store: https://monomoy-merch.printify.me/products
- Please consider hosting Anglers player(s) during the upcoming 2025 season (early June – mid August). If interested, please contact Steve West at 508-241-4426 or steve.e.west@me.com
- 2025 Post-Game Meal Support Needed! Feeding our players and staff after games is an important and challenging task. If interested, please contact Laura Caskey at 512-731-8171 or laura.caskey@att.net
Contact Us!
Email: mrhs@monomoy.edu
Website: mrhs.monomoy.edu
Location: 75 Oak Street, Harwich, MA, USA
Phone: 508-430-7200