From the Heart - Mrs. Susan Schaich
Miami Whitewater Parents & Guardians -
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we let you know that our dear friend and fourth grade Intervention Specialist, Susan Schaich, passed away unexpectedly. Loss is always difficult, especially one that is sudden and not expected. As you can imagine, Susan’s family is still processing this on so many levels. Please give them privacy during this time.
Not many things were more important to Susan than teaching and her Miami Whitewater Elementary school, Southwest Local family, and Harrison community. As a teacher in the district for the last 32 years, Susan treated her students as her own and would do anything for them. If there is anything you can do for the Schaich family at this time, it is to continue her legacy and care for your children and our students the same way. Susan’s husband, Sam and three daughters appreciate your respect and are thankful for your thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come.
The Miami Whitewater Elementary building crisis team is meeting later this week to formulate a plan and make sure we have the personnel and counselors necessary to support our students and staff when we return from winter break. Counselors from the district and Best Point will be on hand when we return from break to visit classrooms to share age-appropriate information regarding the death of a teacher at their school.
Susan Schaich taught at Miami Whitewater Elementary, Whitewater Valley Elementary, Harrison JS, and Harrison HS during her 32 year career with SLSD. She was also a proud WHHHS graduate (Class of 1986). Susan was not only a 4th grade Intervention Specialist, but connected with ALL Miami Whitewater students as they arrived each morning while they ate breakfast in the cafeteria. Our young wildcats loved “Ma Schaich”, the pep talks she gave for the day, and the songs she sang with her pink “Breakfast Buddies” apron on as they hustled to class (cafe picture attached HERE).
Losing a family member is never easy, and Susan was a vital member of our SLSD / MWE family. Teaching was not “just a job” to Susan – it was her passion, and we can all hope to be as amazing with kids as she was. This is a heavy loss, in so many ways. Supporting one another is and will continue to be imperative. If your child is in need of immediate counseling or therapy after you share the news about Mrs. Susan Schaich’s passing, please call us at school (513-367-5577) or email Mrs. Sharon Gieringer sharon.gieringer@southwestschools.org.
As always, during times of loss, the foundation of our school family holds us up and helps us support one another.
Together, our hearts break with Sam and the Schaich girls. Together, we lift them up. Together, we are the Miami Whitewater Elementary family!
Truly,
~ Mrs. Mia Neckel
~ Principal
~ Miami Whitewater Elementary