Tara McAvoy
In Loving Memory
Our entire TSD Family is saddened by the tragic death of Tara Rose McAvoy. A loss like this brings home the fragility and preciousness of life. There are no words to ease the pain or convey the grief that Tara’s death leaves behind. Tara’s beauty and bright smile will continue in our hearts as a reminder of the gifts she shared with us during her short life. We’ll treasure the memories of her as a student, athlete, thespian and proud young graduate.
Our students are at home across the state of Texas for Spring Break. Upon their return we will be prepared to offer them counseling support as they deal with the loss of one of their former classmates. The TSD family has lost a beloved member but our loss pales in comparison to that of her parents Mark and Sara and brother Eric. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Tara’s family in their time of loss.
Memorial Visitation:
Mission Funeral Home Serenity Chapel6204 S. First Street
Austin, Texas 78745
Support for Students at Texas School for the Deaf
Residential students returned to Texas School for the Deaf after Spring Break last evening, and joined local area students for regularly scheduled classes today. School officials spent last Friday afternoon planning support services to assist students in dealing with the loss of former classmate, Tara Rose McAvoy who was killed last Monday in a tragic train accident.
Advance notification to faculty, staff, and parents was provided by the Superintendent’s office. Staff was given factual information to share with the students and guidelines on how to conduct classroom discussions and how to provide a supportive presence for students. Since TSD is a Pre-K through high school program, information on how students at different developmental levels respond to grief was also provided.
Last evening three counselors were on duty to provided support for students as they returned to the dorms. This morning, teams of counselors and administrators visited each classroom in the high school to review the facts of this sudden unexpected loss and to make students aware of the support available to them. Elementary and Middle school students are receiving support on an “as needed” basis.
A student support center was identified in the high school area for those students needing ongoing services. Two counselors will staff it for the next few days. A temporary “memorial area” was set up in the high school for students to share their thoughts and memories.
The TSD community is discussing possible plans for a School Memorial service and will proceed slowly talking to family, staff and students about their desires.
Many of our students, like Tara, are with us from a very young age and we are also experiencing our own grief. The school has made contact with “For the Love of Christy” to provide staff support for those who request it.
We will carefully assess the needs of our students and continue to provide a supportive presence to assist them through this loss.