The following letter from Superintendent Christopher Harper has been shared with the Mayfield school community:
Dear Mayfield families,
It is with profound sadness that I share the news that one of our beloved teachers, Shelly Dufel, passed away early this morning after a brief battle with cancer. A longtime English teacher in Mayfield, she made an impact on countless students and fellow educators.
We will share information about arrangements for funeral services on the district website when they become available.
We understand this news will be very upsetting for many in our school community. Our school counselors, as well as counselors from local community agencies, will be available for anyone who needs support during this difficult time. Please call the counseling office at 518-661-8213 or email Joelle Didomenico at didomenico.joelle@mayfieldcsd.org or Graham Pritchard at pritchard.graham@mayfieldcsd.org.
The following online resources can assist parents with their children’s grief:
- How to talk to children about death: https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/how-to-be-a-parent/communication/talk-to-kids-death/#.XRTQbnspBMB
- How to help a grieving teen: https://www.dougy.org/grief-resources/how-to-help-a-grieving-teen/
- Helping children cope with grief: https://childmind.org/guide/helping-children-cope-grief/
- Helping children and teenagers cope with grief (cancer specific): https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/managing-emotions/grief-and-loss/helping-grieving-children-and-teenagers
Our entire school community mourns the loss of this special educator and friend.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Harper
Christopher M. Harper
Superintendent of Schools