Body Discovered Outside Ankeny Westwood Elementary School, Police Say

ANKENY, IA -- The Ankeny Police Department is investigating the discovery of a body at Westwood Elementary School Wednesday morning as a possible suicide. Classes were canceled at the building for the day.

School district officials said the body was found outside the school. "This incident was not associated with the school in any way, aside from it being on our property," Superintendent Bruce Kimpston said in a message to families in the district.

Students who arrived at the school before the closure was announced were rerouted to Rock Creek Elementary school. Westwood Elementary, 2920 N.W. Ninth St., will resume classes and activities on Thursday, Kimpston said. He said counselors were available to talk with staff members today and a grief response team also will be made available to students.

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"This death is sure to raise emotions, concerns, and questions for our school district and especially our students," his email said. "Our school district has a Grief Response Team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students and school personnel at difficult times. We have activated that team and have counselors available for any student who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this death."

Counselors or members of the grief response team who see a student struggling with emotions about the death also will contact that student’s parents directly so they are aware and can monitor and talk further with their child at home.

Common emotions and reactions to grief, Kimpston said, include anger, guilt, fear of abandonment, denial, regression, increased dependence on adults, change in behavior, silence, disinterest in preferred activities, withdrawal, over-activity, or existing model behavior.

School officials recommend taking steps if uncommon behavior is noticed:

• Don’t punish regressive behavior.
• Understand your child’s sense of security has been diminished.
• Answer repeated questions patiently.
• Routine and rules are important for grieving kids. They should return to school as soon as possible.
• Give your child permission to tell others how they feel.
• Teach your children how to honor life.

Anyone with questions or those with concerns about their child regarding this event should contact the child's school counselor.

Photo: Ankeny schools website