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May 7, 2026
GLPS Families,
Last night, we shared that GLPS elementary schools, Little Comets, GSRP, Head Start, and ECSE would be closed today due to unforeseen circumstances, and we said we would provide more information today.
It is with deep sadness that I share that Mrs. Chong Bedard, a Begindergarten teacher at Willow Ridge Elementary School, died last evening. Mrs. Bedard worked in Grand Ledge Public Schools for many years, and she had a positive impact on many students, families, colleagues, and friends throughout our school community.
I know that closing school today may have created challenges for families, and I appreciate your understanding. We made that decision because it was important to me that our elementary teachers and staff across the district, who worked directly with Mrs. Bedard, had the opportunity to hear this news face-to-face from their leadership and have time to process their own grief before being asked to teach and support our students. Out of respect for Mrs. Bedard’s family and our staff, we were unable to share more details last evening, and we appreciate your understanding and flexibility surrounding this very sad situation.
Our focus now is on caring for students and staff. Staff shared a short message this morning with students at Hayes, Beagle, and the High School. Counselors and support staff are available today for anyone who needs or wants support. When our elementary, early childhood, and preschool students return, our district crisis team will be available to support them.
This loss is sure to bring up many emotions. While your child may not have known Mrs. Bedard, the death of a staff member in our school community can still raise questions, concerns, or feelings that are difficult for children to understand. It is normal for students, and adults, to feel sad, confused, angry, or worried after a loss.
If your child has questions, I encourage you to answer them in a calm, simple, and age-appropriate way. It is okay to acknowledge that this is sad news and that students will continue to be cared for at school. If you are concerned about how your child is responding, please contact your child’s principal, teacher, or school counselor so we can help connect your child with support.
For additional guidance, the National Association of School Psychologists has a one-page resource, “Addressing Grief in Children: Tips for Parents & Educators,” and a webpage with "Brief Facts and Tips" for addressing grief.
Here at GLPS, we are fortunate to have caring staff and community partners who help create safe and supportive spaces for students every day, and especially during difficult times. We believe every person is valued, and we believe in partnerships between the family, community, and the school district. Those beliefs matter every day, and they are especially important as we support one another through this loss.
On behalf of Grand Ledge Public Schools, I extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Bedard’s family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who knew and loved her. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support as we care for our students, staff, and school community.
At this time, we are planning on running school as normal at GLHS, Distance Learning, Beagle, Hayes, Early Childhood, Adventure Club, Wacousta, Delta Center, and Holbrook tomorrow, and school counselors will be available to help support students in those buildings. We will communicate directly with Willow Ridge families by 5:00 pm about how we will proceed there tomorrow. Again, thank you for your understanding and flexibility.
Even during difficult times, I remain, as always, #proudtobeacomet.
Dr. Bill Barnes
Superintendent of Schools
