DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — (Note: The video above is from Tuesday, Jan. 19.)
Duval County Public Schools is mourning the loss of an employee who died this week from COVID-19.
Jeanne Martin was a paraprofessional at Neptune Beach Elementary School, according to Duval County School Board Member Elizabeth Anderson.
Martin had been employed with the school and the district since August 2019.
The district also announced the death of a student who attended Twin Lakes Elementry who died from a syndrome connected to COVID-19.
Anderson wrote in a post on Facebook, "I’m devastated for these families and school communities."
DCPS sent First Coast News the following statement.
We are saddened by the passing of one of our educators, Ms. Jeanne Martin and send condolences and prayers to her family and loved ones. Ms. Martin was a paraprofessional at Neptune Beach Elementary and will be deeply missed by the school community. She began her career with the district and the school in August 2019.
First Coast News also received a copy of the letter the school's principal sent out to parents.
Jan. 19, 2021
Dear Neptune Beach families,
The Neptune Beach Elementary school community is saddened by the recent passing of one of our faculty members. Our sympathies go out to family, friends, and our entire school community during this difficult time.
We would like to inform you of the steps that we are taking to assist grieving students and staff. Specially-trained school counselors and social workers were on-site and available to students and staff to encourage happy remembrances and discuss reactions to this death. Additional support will be made available to students and staff as needed. If you do not wish for your child to participate in these discussions, please contact us informing of your wishes.
Students, in particular, may be affected by this tragedy, even if they did not personally know the teacher. School psychologists report that children usually go through the same stages of grief that adults do; however, they do not follow a specific pattern or order. Children may be shocked, numb, emotional, angry, guilty, depressed, or disorganized. These reactions are normal and with support, acceptance, encouragement, and guidance, they will begin to understand and deal with their feelings. As a result, we encourage you to talk to your children.
Again, if you would prefer that your child not talk about the tragedy or participate in any of the ongoing grief counseling activities, please contact us at (904) 247-5954. As an additional resource, we have provided students the option to contact their parents and guardians during the school day as needed. Your child is important to our school community and we want to do what you deem best for him or her.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Kavanagh
Principal