The Seneca East School District and surrounding community came out to support the family of five killed in a house fire early Tuesday morning.
The day after the tragedy, the school was given an overwhelming amount of support.
"It was a sad day and we are as good as can be expected," said Elementary Principal Brad Powers.
The students were in excellent hands, he said.
Professional counselors, local clergy and members of the community were on hand to assist students and faculty members with the grieving process.
Counselors included the Rev. Paul Fahrbach of Our Lady of Hope, the Rev. Michael Padula of Attica United Methodist Church; Kim Pachis, school psychologist from North Central Ohio Educational Service Center; Michelle Fay, guidance counselor from Mohawk Local School District; and Heather Schalk and Kim Thompson, Seneca East guidance counselors.
"We started the process after we heard the untimely news by sending a letter home with the children," Powers said.
"We gave the parents the opportunity to address the difficult topic of death with their kids," he said.
Throughout the day entire classes with students that were direct classmates were able to sit and talk with counselors.
"The students were very receptive about seeking assistance," Powers said.
"What I appreciate so much is the way the counselors made the kids feel comfortable," he said.
"It is truly a difficult time and the time to grieve can never be easy," Powers said. "I feel comforted knowing that there are others that care and are there for each other."
