From Avery ISD Superintendent Debbie Drew:
It is with profound sadness that I write this letter to you. As many of you are aware, we lost one of our Avery Bulldog seniors, Harley Goodwin, in a tragic car accident yesterday (May 9, 2022). Harley holds a special place in the hearts of our students, staff, families and community.
I believe there is no greater loss than that of a child. This loss is felt by many, but most assuredly by her family. Please keep Harley’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
During this time, as the school community processes the tragic news and copes with grief, we will offer counseling and bereavement support services to all of our students and staff. A student death is a difficult and challenging situation that can generate a high level of anxiety and distress. Children may have had no experience in coping with a loss like this and may be confused as to how to handle grief. If you feel that your children are having difficulty, we encourage you to discuss their thoughts and feelings to help them work through their grief and concerns. The entire Avery ISD staff embraces its mission to contribute to our students’ social/emotional development, and we will always be attentive to our students’ emotional needs at school. If you feel our children need to speak to a counselor or other adult, please do not hesitate to call the school and let us know.
We also ask for prayers for the other students who were hurt in the accident. These students and their families will also need our support as they navigate the healing process.
Harley touched many of us with her sweet spirit and will ever remain in our hearts. Her father shared with me that Harley is an organ donor and this was something she talked a lot about with her father. These gifts of life speak volumes to the giving nature of the Harley we know and love.
This is a difficult time for everyone, but I know our students, staff and community will be able to lean on each other as we remember and support our classmates, students, friends, and loved ones.
Sincerely,
Debbie Drew
Avery ISD Superintendent
