District 31 Families,
It is with the heaviest heart that I need to share with you that Shaton Wolverton, our beloved Winkelman primary principal, has passed away after a brief but heroic battle with cancer.
Shaton Wolverton leaves behind a profound impact on our school community. She was an exceptional leader and a caring mentor, friend, and advocate for every student and staff member. Through her vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to education, Shaton Wolverton helped shape our school into a place where children felt safe, valued, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. Her passion for education, warmth, and compassion will never be forgotten.
During this difficult time, we ask that you keep Ms. Wolverton's family and all those touched by her kindness and leadership in your thoughts.
We understand that this loss may be especially hard for our students. Age, cultural traditions, religious beliefs, mental health, and many other factors can impact our responses to this loss. As we will not be discussing this topic with your child at school, you may want to talk about this in a way most appropriate for your family’s beliefs and developmental level. Death can be difficult for us to understand, especially when it is sudden and out of sight. Resources for how to facilitate these conversations and how to support your child moving forward can be found below.
All feelings in response to this news are valid. If your child needs support during this time, you may utilize any of the following:
Resources -
On-site Support - On-site support at school will be provided by the Crisis Response Network on Monday, January 13, during school hours and from 3-5 pm after school.
Care Solace - District 31 has partnered with Care Solace to provide quick and confidential mental health support for students, staff, and family members. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
- Call 888-515-0595, available 24/7/365 in any language
- Visit www.caresolace.com/district31 and either search on your own OR
- Click "Book Appointment" for assistance by video chat, email, or phone
- No insurance needed
Please know that we are here to support your children and your family during this time of grief. Thank you for your understanding and support. Together, we will carry forward Ms. Wolverton’s legacy of making our school a place of love, learning, and community. Additional information about services or remembrances will be forwarded when they become available.
Sincerely,
Dr. Erin K. Murphy
Superintendent
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