Hello and thank you for sharing this sad, but seemingly more frequent story.  It is always tragic when a school closes and staff lose their jobs.  Schools are like micro- families and often are essential to the community as a whole.

Some suggestions that come to mind is that kids can create a permanent remembrance of the school and its' teachers.  A yearbook, a blog, a photo collage that remains online, t-shirts that are signed by staff and kids alike and perhaps even an online group for families and staff to stay in touch (not for the children).

  Also, the closing day of school might need to have a positive aspect- such as a closing school ceremony that included a picnic with lots of photo taking and email sharing. It would be worthwhile to remind children that negative actions, such as vandalism does not help their situation and would not be tolerated.

As for the teachers, parents may wish to write personal notes to those teachers who they had a relationship with to tell them that they were valued and should continue with their endeavors of teaching children.

And lastly, if any parents are hiring, even temporary employees, this may be of value to staff who need to continue to have income for themselves and their families.

I wish all involved on the best of luck during this very difficult situation.

Louise Masin Sattler, NCSP
Nationally Certified School Psychologist