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Dora Moore ECE-8 School

Community Letter Sharing Sad News

03/22/25, 12:20 PM

March 22, 2025

Dear Dora Moore Families,

We have some very sad news to share with you. Nyeesha Howard, mom to three Dora Moore students and a non-school age toddler, passed away on Thursday night.

A loss like this is felt deeply, and our thoughts are with their family during this sad and difficult time. Nyeesha and her family have been at Dora Moore for the last six years and were deeply connected within our community. Nyeesha was at the school daily and regularly volunteered to chaperone field trips, provided rides and resources to other families and students, and was a wonderful and involved mother to her children.

Many staff and families have already reached out asking how they might be able to help. We have been working with the family since learning of this news on Friday morning and we will share more details regarding how our community can tangibly support her children soon.

We understand that this news may be upsetting for families and students.

Remember, when supporting a child who is concerned about others or impacted by loss consider the following:

Be aware that death or loss can result in youth feeling sad and you may notice signs of depression or signs of suicidal ideation (please see bullet points below)

Begin by asking, “How are you feeling?” Validate feelings, and help your child identify what is needed.
Answer questions. Help them understand you are there to help.
Let them know who in the family they can go to for support.
Let them know who at school they can go to for support.

There may be times you would like support with talking to your child about loss, depression, or suicide. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the school. Our school mental health team is available to provide assistance to students and families. Considering we are now on Spring Break, it may be necessary to seek support from one of the community providers below for immediate assistance until we return to school in April.

Name	Number	Description
Second Wind Fund	303-988-2645	Provides free counseling to underinsured and uninsured youth that are suicidal
Colorado Crisis and Support Line	844-493-8255, or Text TALK to 38255	Resource for mental health, substance use, or emotional crisis help – information and referrals
National Suicide Hotline	800-273-8255	24-hour toll-free confidential suicide prevention hotline
Trevor Project Hotline	866-488-7386	Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth
Safe2Tell Colorado	877-542-7233	An anonymous way to report unsafe and risk (phone, app, online reporting options)

As always, you are welcome to reach out with any questions you might have as you learn of this sad news.

With sympathy,

Mr. Janson & Mrs. Watson

Attachment: 17426676390261_Community_Letter_3_22_25.pdf