The Park community grieves once again as another tragedy struck with the disappearance of hikers Evan and Damian McManus. While many students grieve this loss, teachers are finding ways to cope as well.

Principal Joann Karetov said each teacher is dealing with the loss differently.

“Everybody processes loss in their own way,” Karetov said. “For many, this loss is just one more thing with which to cope. There have been a lot of tragedies in Park, but this also may bring up issues in their own life.”

Teacher Jean Scheaffer said she is working through the loss.

“I’ve been exercising, walking, eating pasta, being with friends and crying,” Scheaffer said. “Also, in psychology, one thing that allows people to feel more in control of their lives and to feel good about themselves is sadly to look at the misfortunes of others. When I think about people who have lost everyone in their family or war areas or homelessness, it does help me, ironically.”

Karetov said the administration is doing what it can to help the teachers through this tough time. She also said it is important to listen and to be aware of what each individual needs.

“Since the search was called off we have been providing lunch for the teachers everyday and will continue to do so through this week,” Karetov said. “Food brings people together and the teachers can try to begin to heal by socializing and bonding over lunch.”

Karetov said another way some teachers choose to cope is attending counseling sessions led by Jennifer Troy from Paws for Learning, an organization that uses dogs to raise the spirits of grieving people.

“In these counseling sessions the teachers go through a debriefing process,” Karetov said. “It gives them the opportunity to see others going through the same thing and realize that it’s okay to be sad, and that they’re not alone.”

Band director Steven Schmitz said he attended a counseling session with Troy and other teachers in which he learned a lot about grief. He said he is passing on his new knowledge to his students.

“I learned that your body is flooded with 122 chemicals when you’re grieving and that the best way to get them out is to exercise and drink water and sweat,” Schmitz said. “She also had dogs which was very calming. It was nice to have my colleagues around and realize they support me and hear them say that out loud.”