CINCINNATI — School might be coming to an end, but an area crisis team is still working after two elementary students died from a house fire this month.

What You Need To Know

  • Two Winton Hills Academy elementary students died after a recent house fire behind the school, the school has been in mourning since 

  • The districts crisis team was activated to help, there are 11 crisis teams in the Cincinnati Public School District made up of psychologists, social workers, and counselors to help students cope 

  • Educators say there are also resources available for parents after the school year ends

The school year might be coming to a close, but students at Winton Hills Academy are still in mourning. Two of the school's elementary students died after a recent house fire.

That's when Margaret Hall got to work.

She's the senior director of Cincinnati Public School District’s student services.

She helps to manage the district’s crisis team.

“if there is a tragedy or a situation that comes up, we communicate directly with the principal and the school psychologist or social worker in that building because they know their students and they know their family there to see what services are needed and what we're going to have to do in order to support them,” said Hall. 

She said they currently have 11 crisis teams made up of psychologists, social workers, and counselors that go out to schools any time there's a tragedy.

She sid sometimes students just need an outlet.

“Everybody reacts to trauma differently. so you have to be able to deal with the individual and how they’re dealing with that trauma. Some individuals will like to pull away. Some individuals want to talk, some kids really want to color. Sometimes we’ve done huge signs and cards and posters and put those kinds of things together,” said Hall.

It's a temporary relief to a tragedy that can have a lasting impact on kids' mental health.

In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control, one in six elementary aged children has already been diagnosed with a mental illness. The CDC states things like stress anxiety, bullying, tragedies and family problems are behind the issue.

Hall said they have a plan that goes beyond the school year, and it starts with parents.

"There's information that goes out to parents to let them know what resources are available, because when schools are closed in the summer, for example, what resources are available so that they know who they can talk to, and then they can also reach out,” said Hall. 

If you or someone you know has a child that needs help with mental health, you can find more information here.