Coach DeMarco Update
April 6, 2020
I would like to reach out with some resources that are available to help everyone as we deal with the passing of Coach DeMarco. This is especially difficult since we can't gather together and pay tribute to Coach D. I hope these resources and ideas help.
Please keep John's wife Diane, his friends and family, and all of those who had the pleasure to get to know John in your prayers.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Glenn Plummer
A Note to Parents
The death of Coach DeMarco may affect a student in a variety of ways depending on the age of a child, how well the student knew Coach D and the student’s prior experience with grief. Talk with your student and walk alongside them through this difficult time.
When reacting to a death, a child may:
- Appear not to be affected
- Be thinking about it privately
- Ask a lot of questions
- Be frightened
- Be agitated and angry
- Be sad and withdrawn
- Try extra hard to be good
Listen to your student. If they seem to need to talk, answer their questions simply, honestly and possibly over and over again.
Questions to ask your student:
Tell me what you remember of your teacher?
What is your favorite memory of Coach D?
What was your favorite PE unit? Why?
Is there anything you would’ve liked to have said to Coach D?
How are you feeling? (Reassure that all answers are acceptable)
What sorts of things have you been feeling/thinking about since you heard Coach D had died?
Here is also a nice article about talking to your student about grief. This article is meant for a slightly younger audience, but can be adapted to how we communicate with teens.
https://whatsyourgrief.com/talking-kids-death-grief-10-comprehensive-tips/
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. DeMarco’s family.
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to me, our campus Minister Shelly Conlon, Principal Glenn Plummer, or Vice Principal Tim Foley.
Sincerely,
Lynne Zoulek
Regina School Counselor, grade 7-12
Cards and notes
Memorial/Celebration for Coach D
Regina Junior Senior High School
Email: glenn.plummer@regina.org
Website: www.regina.org
Location: 2150 Rochester Avenue, Iowa City, IA, United States
Phone: (319)-338-5436
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReginaEducation/
Twitter: @gap_4