At John Paul II Catholic School, we recognize that every student walks through our doors carrying their own joys—and sometimes, their own sorrows. In February, JPII took an important step in deepening our commitment to the emotional well-being of our students by participating in the Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative (GSSI) in collaboration with the New York Life Foundation.

Through this partnership, many of our faculty and staff members attended a professional development presentation facilitated by Madelyn Bowman, LISW-CP, our Social Emotional Counselor and Student Support Services Coordinator. The training provided vital tools to better understand the ways grief can impact our students in the classroom and beyond.

"Grief doesn’t follow a timetable," Mrs. Bowman explained. "It often appears in ways that may seem unrelated—withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, anger, or even unexpected laughter. Our students need trusted adults who can recognize these signs and respond with compassion."

In addition to the training, JPII received access to a collection of grief-sensitive books and educational resources, helping to build a supportive environment for students coping with loss. We were also blessed to receive a $500 grant from the New York Life Foundation to further support our grief awareness and response efforts on campus.

The need for grief sensitivity in schools is significant. Research shows:

• 1 in 14 children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the age of 18 (Judi's House, 2023).
• Students who are grieving often experience declines in academic performance, with over 70% reporting struggles in school following a loss.
• Many grieving students report feeling isolated, misunderstood, or unsupported, making school-based interventions critically important.

JPII President David Lima emphasized, "When we acknowledge grief openly and respond with love and understanding, we remind our students that they are not alone. We embody Christ’s call to comfort those who mourn."

As a Catholic community, we are deeply called to walk alongside those who suffer. Scripture tells us, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). Through our participation in the Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative, we are striving to create a school culture where grief is not hidden but honored—and where healing is encouraged through faith, community, and compassionate support.

"We know that the wounds of grief can be long-lasting," Mrs. Bowman reflected. "But by being grief-sensitive, we help students find hope in the midst of heartache, and we point them to the enduring love of God that carries them through every season of life."

For more information about the Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative, visit New York Life Foundation.