January 27, 2025 by Emma Gowen (‘25)
Considering the emotions faced by many whenever they lose a loved one or friend, and the terrible loss of one of our beloved students and alumni Olivia Allen this past March, Saratoga Springs High School has developed new methods of grief counseling to better serve students for the future.
“1 out of every 13 kids from 0-18 will experience a loss of a parent or sibling,” said Melissa Allen, head of the counseling department.
Between assigned counselors, the two psychologists, and three social workers at Saratoga Springs High School, there is no lack of resources for students. “I’m an open door, someone can come by and just reach out,” said Daniel Walter, the school’s psychologist, “it just takes connection and communication, and who’s looking for it.”
Her own experiences have shaped Allen’s view of loss. “It’s like carrying a backpack,” she said, “that backpack always starts very heavy and as time progresses, your backpack lightens, but some days it will come flooding back.” She feels that this analogy, introduced by her therapist, can be useful to students.
According to the National Association of School Psychologists, “Grieving does not have a timeline. Schools should be aware of anniversaries, birthdays, developmental milestones, and other factors that could affect students months or years after the loss.”
Walter is constantly checking in with services to ensure that students receive the best possible counseling. “I’m always thinking, how are we doing this year?” said Walter. He feels that over the past five years Saratoga Springs High School grief counseling has been beneficial for students and continues to be.
Allen’s beliefs differ slightly from Walter’s after experiencing loss personally. “My desire is to have the district be more involved in what grief informed counseling or work looks like because in the classroom everyone presents differently, and I think we forget that,” said Allen. “It’s important for us to recognize that it’s all very hard, but we are here and we’re in it together and we’re going to try to manage the hard times just as much as the good times.”
Reaching out to a counselor at Saratoga Springs High School can provide students with the support they need through any kind of challenge. “The counseling center and those counselors are amazing,” said Walter. “It just takes that connection and communication.”