Highmark Caring Place, a regional leader in providing resources to support grieving children, hosted The Caring Team for Grieving Students Summit on Wednesday, October 18th. The event brought together educators and students from across Southwestern Pennsylvania to bring comfort and hope to children who have experienced loss.

A highlight for Shaler Area students was when Reserve Primary School Caring Team representatives from last year were recognized for their winning poster design. Their poster and its message of empathy and kindness will be shared with over 400 schools in Pennsylvania.

Kim Baysek-Young first forged a connection with Highmark Caring Place decades ago. Through her involvement, other schools joined the mission to make our schools a more understanding place for all emotions, including grief. This not only supports grieving children, it fosters empathy in all members of our community. “It helps us to create a safe climate in our schools for children to feel comfortable expressing their grief and being supported by others in their grief,” shares Lezlie DelVecchio-Marks, School Counselor at Burchfield Primary School. Student representatives take ownership of this program and spearhead outreach at their school. The work culminates in Children’s Grief Awareness Day each November.

We are grateful for Highmark Caring Place and the way it enhances the social-emotional development of our students. Together, we are making Shaler Area an even more understanding and caring community!