With furry friends and kind words, Kiski Elementary students learn to cope with grief

While adults know that grief is part of life, elementary school kids might just be learning. Counselors in the Kiski Area School District are working to help students cope with their feelings.

A daylong grief-themed program was presented Thursday at all four elementary schools as part of Children’s Grief Awareness Day, nationally recognized Nov. 18.

District counselors and co-organizers Olivia Rizzo, Chelsey Perriello, Kelly Antonucci and Melissa Beck organized various stations for students in grades K-6.

Activities included interaction with therapy dogs, crafts, reading, coloring and talking about grief.

Six therapy dogs and their handlers volunteered their services. Students enjoyed petting, talking, laughing and hugging the furry visitors.

Louie Harshman, a fourth grader at East Primary, connected with Soldier, a 180-pound Newfoundland.

“He’s awesome — and huge,” he said.

Louie partnered with fellow student Lily Ciuca, reading a book about grief to second graders.

“My dog and my Dad passed away,” Louie said while petting Soldier. “It’s awesome to have the animals here.”

It’s the second year the district has hosted the event.

“We have 51 students this year. Last year was about 25,” said Antonucci, one of the counselors. “Our staff will be here, too. A lot of them have experienced some loss, too.”

For Beck, one of the other counselors, the event also helps students by showing “there are other kids here in their building who are going through some of the same things.”

Second grader Rylee Hannigan made a flowerpot craft decorated with an ostrich in memory of her grandmother, who died in January.

“She liked ostriches and wanted to get one,” Rylee said.

Amy Bluedorn of the North Hills volunteered with her therapy dog, Darby.

“The energy that dogs bring to the kids is very calming, and the kids respond to that,” Bluedorn said. “The kids feel secure, and they want to share. And kids have a lot to say.”