Legend High School

Corey Wise, Principal

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Words from Wise

July 1, 2010   To Our Legend Families: From the very start, Legend has worked to create a family atmosphere that knows one another, cares for each other, and supports each other.  We need to share the news that Jason Ritter (Social Studies teacher, Student Government advisor, JV Boys Basketball coach) has been diagnosed with stomach/colon cancer. He is working with his doctor now to determine the prognosis and treatment.  To best support Mr. Ritter and his family, it is important to provide your student with clear and accurate communication.  I will work to keep our staff and families updated with Mr. Ritter’s progress and create opportunities to help and assist the Ritter Family; we will be coordinating this effort through our main office and our Moodle site under the category Mr. Ritter.    Graciously, many families want to personally communicate and offer individual support to Mr. Ritter and his family, but to be purposeful and most effective for Mr. Ritter and all that is happening, we ask that you use our school as the mechanism for this support.  It is important for me to create a communication line that is clear and manageable; therefore, I will create and send updates through Infinite Campus with letters sent out via email and our Moodle site will have links to resources for any support you may need.  We will also communicate upcoming opportunities to provide any additional support to the Ritter’s as more information regarding Mr. Ritter’s treatment is updated and this will be available on Mr. Ritter’s website.  At this time, we ask that you do not call or visit Mr. Ritter as he is working with his family and doctors regarding treatment and next steps. Please keep Mr. Ritter and his family in your thoughts and prayers.  We will be sharing additional details as appropriate, as we gain more information throughout the summer and at the beginning of the school year.  Please communicate through our Legend Office or Moodle site and we will have a system to get your support to the Ritter’s.  Mr. Ritter has set up a website to follow his progress and to communicate any specific needs and we will notify you when calls or visits are more conducive.  www.mylifeline.org/jasonritter  Mr. Ritter will create opportunities in the near future for ways to visit, talk, and to provide donations to help with medical costs through his website.   This news was shared with our staff and with students involved in Student Government and Boys Basketball at Legend High School on July 1st and 2nd.  Students were provided the opportunity to talk to teachers, mental health staff, and administrators.  Feelings can be especially overwhelming at this time.  There is no right way to express the sadness and confusion that our students can feel when they encounter this type of news.  Some students may not react outwardly at all.  Students can be particularly vulnerable if this event reminds them about another loss or sadness in their own lives.  Knowing what to say to your teenager is often difficult; making yourself available for conversation or support is important.  If your student is struggling with this news, please be sure to contact the school at 303-387-4506 or go to our Moodle Site for additional resources and to email us any needs or requests.  We will continue to take care of one another and appreciate the support of your student and the Legend High School family.

 

Corey Wise
Principal
Legend High School