UPDATE 5:30 P.M.
Wednesday classes at Whiteland Community High School have been canceled, Clark-Pleasant officials said Tuesday evening.
Officials in an email said the student’s death was a “tragic accident” that resulted in a drowning in the school pool during the morning physical education class Tuesday. Despite the efforts of staff and emergency responders, the student passed away, the email said.
The specific cause and circumstances surrounding the death are not yet known, and a thorough investigation will take place, the email continues.
“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 says
The school again said its counselors will be available to provide a safe space for anyone needing help to cope with the tragedy. They suggested parents debrief at home with their children about the incident, and let the school counselors know if their child needs additional help.
Classes are only canceled at the high school for Wednesday, and all other schools will be in session. High school staff will report to WCHS in order to plan for the students’ 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 and staff at other Clark-Pleasant schools who may need them.
UPDATE 1:20 P.M.
The Johnson County Coroner’s Office confirmed a female student died after a medical emergency at the WCHS pool Tuesday morning. Exact details on the cause of death are under investigation.
WCHS students were released early from school at 1 p.m., with buses arriving to pick students up on the east end of the school nearest the auditorium.
The annual awards banquet for the high school band and color guard program scheduled for this evening has also been postponed, according to posts from the band and guard Facebook pages.
UPDATE 1 P.M.
Police and first responders were called to Whiteland Community High School this morning on a medical emergency at the school pool, according to the emergency run log.
Clark-Pleasant officials have not released details of the incident and the exact cause of the student’s death. In a second email sent to the school community, CPCSC said school counselors are available for any students who need a safe space to grieve and process this information.
“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 says.
School officials also offered condolences to the student’s family at this time.
“In the meantime, please join us in keeping the student and their family and friends in your thoughts. Thank you for our understanding, empathy, and support during this incredibly difficult time,” the email reads.
ORIGINAL STORY
Clark-Pleasant school officials reported a student died from a medical emergency Tuesday morning.
Officials informed parents of the death that happened at Whiteland Community High School via an email sent later in the afternoon. The school and emergency officials are trying to determine exactly what happened, and they will provide an update as soon as possible, the email says.
This story will be updated as more information is made available.
