A female student at Whiteland Community High School died Tuesday morning at the school pool.
The news of the death prompted Clark-Pleasant Schools to cancel high school classes on Wednesday, and also release students early on Tuesday.
Details on the exact cause of the student’s death are still under investigation by the Johnson County Coroner’s Office. Police and first responders were called to the high school Tuesday morning on a medical emergency and possible drowning in the school pool, according to the emergency run log.
Clark-Pleasant Schools officials first informed families about the student death via an email sent in the early afternoon. The school did not release further details about the incident, other than the student died of a medical emergency.
In an email later Tuesday evening, school officials said a “tragic accident” resulted in the drowning of the student during the morning physical education class. Despite the efforts of staff and emergency responders, the student passed away, the email says.
WCHS students were released early from school at 1 p.m. Tuesday, and other evening activities were canceled. The annual awards banquet for the high school band and color guard program scheduled for Tuesday evening was postponed, according to posts from the band and guard Facebook pages.
The Clark-Pleasant School Board also canceled its meeting set for Tuesday evening.
CPCSC said school counselors are available for any students who need a safe space to grieve and process this information. They suggested parents debrief with their children about the incident, and let the school counselors know if their child needs additional help.
“Words fall short in expressing the grief and sorrow our entire school community is experiencing at this moment. Please know that counselors are available to assist any students who may need support,” the email to families says.
Classes were only canceled at the high school for Wednesday, and all other schools are in session. High school staff will report to WCHS on Wednesday to plan for students to return on Thursday, the email says. When school resumes on Thursday, school officials say they will have “significant resources available to help our students and staff process this difficult loss.” Resources and counselors are also available to students at other Clark-Pleasant schools who may need them.
School officials also offered condolences to the student’s family and friends at this time.
“Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with (the student’s) family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. We understand that this news is profoundly upsetting for our entire school community, and we are here to support our students, staff, and families as we grieve together,” the email said.
