It has been confirmed that Mr. Russell took his own life. We have been in contact with the Russell family and they feel it is important that this information is communicated to the school community in an intentional and thoughtful way and by the administration. We hope to avoid our community hearing about this through rumor or other means. To honor the family's wishes we shared this information with our student body earlier today and with families through this e-mail.
This information is shocking and we all continue to be saddened by his death. We have made available counselors, teachers, and other helping resources so that students, staff, and parents can get help when they need it. In addition, LACOE has provided a team of school psychologists who have been and will continue to be on-site at LACHSA to tend to our students' needs.
We are aware that people--particularly students and most particularly students close to the suicide--can have intense, sometimes conflicting feelings about the event. Some may feel responsible for not having prevented it, while others may feel angry at what he did. Still others continue to see him as the spirit of LACHSA.
We are doing everything we can to help students work through these feelings. We are trying to allow them to express themselves in any way they feel appropriate. At the same time, however, we are also intent upon avoiding any glamorization of Mr. Russell's decision to end his life. We do not want that to happen here and we are discouraging any thoughts of suicide as a viable option for solving problems. Consequently, there can be no school-sanctioned memorial event. I do, however want to continue to encourage individual members of our community to celebrate the life and legacy of Dallas Russell. Great healing can be found in posting a Facebook tribute message, planting a tree in Mr. Russell's honor, or creating a piece of artwork inspired by his memory. These are but a few of the ways that we can individually recognize Mr. Russell's contributions.
What Parents Can Do
During this weekend you can help your children immensely simply by talking and listening to them. We don't always know how a students will be affected in a crisis, but you know your child the best of anyone. Be prepared for your child to do any of the following:
Claim not to be affected
Ask a lot of questions
Act agitated and angry
Try abnormally hard to be good
Withdraw
Have frightful dreams
If you wish to send something to the Russell family or otherwise wish to express your condolences, here is the contact information of for :
Tony and Cindy Russell
5335 Hattiesburg Ave. NW
ABQ, N.M. 87120
Sincerely,
George Simpson
LACHSA Principal
This week's message will close with a statement from the Russell family.
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Dear LACHSA Family,
Thank you for your outpouring of love towards us, the family of Dallas Russell, during our brief visit to your campus this past Friday. Your words of love, written at the campus and on Facebook were more than we could absorb. The LACHSA Gospel Choir Tribute on YouTube was inspirational, beautiful and comforting.
It is with deep sorrow that we have all come to this place, as we have all lost a treasure, Dallas Russell. Your love, compassion, and strength will always be remembered.
The Russell Family
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