Thank you for the incredible love and support you have shown our Longden family this week as we navigate the heartbreaking loss of our beloved principal, Mr. Bender.
There are still so few words that feel adequate, but we have found comfort in seeing Mr. Bender through the eyes of our students. To them, he was fun, kind, joyful, and someone who made school feel special. The notes, drawings, flowers, and memories that have filled our campus are a beautiful reminder of just how deeply he loved Longden and how deeply Longden loved him.
This has been an incredibly difficult week for everyone. Grief has no roadmap and often comes in waves. Our children may not always have the words to explain what they are feeling. They may need a hug one day, a listening ear the next, or simply the comfort of their normal routines. A child may seem okay today and have a heavy day weeks from now.
All of that is okay.
Our staff is grieving alongside our students, yet they continue to show up each day with tremendous love and care. We will continue to give our children the support they need, while also finding moments of joy, because that is one of the many things Mr. Bender brought to Longden.
As we move forward, there will be many “firsts” without him. This Wednesday will be our first Spirit Assembly. Mr. Bender LOVED our assemblies, and his absence will be felt. But we also know exactly what he would want us to do: celebrate our students, laugh together, and ROAR a little louder for him.
Please reach out if your child or family needs support. We will continue finding meaningful ways to honor Mr. Bender and carry forward the kindness, joy, and love for Longden he shared so freely.
Thank you for wrapping your arms around our school during one of our most difficult times.
We will keep taking this one day at a time, together. 💙💛
With deepest gratitude,
Nickie Oh-Saxon 🐾
