PENINSULA DAILY NEWS
The talk at schools across Clallam County on Thursday was about the tragic suicide of a 13-year-old Crescent School student the day before.
“It’s going to be hard to go on for some of the students, especially in his class,” said 16-year-old David Fuchser, a home-schooled 10th-grader who takes one class at Crescent School in Joyce.
It’s going to be hard for many students in Neah Bay and Clallam Bay, too, said Cape Flattery School District Superintendent Gene Laes.
“There were relatives in Neah Bay and close friends, both students and staff, of the boy in Clallam Bay,” Laes said.
“We have our school psychologist and counselors at both sites available to children who need to talk.”
In Port Angeles, teachers and staff were available to students who wanted to talk about the incident, said Port Angeles School District Assistant Superintendent Ron Spanjer.
“We are certainly being much more intentional of keeping track of the emotions of students,” Spanjer said.
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Secretary/Treasurer Frances G. Charles said the boy’s death was felt by many tribal youths who attend Port Angeles and Crescent schools. Many of them were friends of Joe, who was part Makah.
A moment of silence and prayer was planned for the eighth annual School District Potlatch on Thursday, which celebrated the relationship between the Port Angeles School District and the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe.
Those attending the potlatch were asked to pray for the boy and the students who were in the classroom during the shooting.
Forks High School Principal Steve Quick said teachers and staff were aware of the boy’s death and watched for signs of anger or depression among students.
But, for the most part, he said, Thursday was a “typical” school day.
“We had a few students who were checked out of school today by parents,” Quick said.
“I think most of those students were close to the boy’s family.”
“I rode an elementary school bus this morning, and there were children talking about it,” said Sequim School District Superintendent Garn Christensen.
“If a child asks a question or has a concern we discuss it, but we also don’t want to overemphasize, glorify or bring too much attention to this.”
