News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Warren County Middle School students and staff spent Monday processing the loss of Principal Gerald Tidwell.
Director of Schools Grant Swallows said it was difficult day district wide.
“We have a team of grief counselors that work in our district,” Swallows said. “They came to our middle school this morning were available throughout the morning and are actually still available today. We just make it very clear to our teachers and our students that it is okay to not be okay.”
Swallows said counseling opportunities will continue throughout the week for students. Teachers also had the opportunity Monday morning to gather and comfort each other.
“We as adults have a hard time processing it,” Swallows said. “Just imagine what an 11, 12, 13, 14-year-old dealing with. They were there on Thursday and Mr. Tidwell was there greeting them and talking to them, and they show up Monday, and he is not there.”
Tidwell passed away Saturday after collapsing during a baseball game he was officiating. Tidwell was in his 10th year as principal. Swallows said the situation has been hard to believe.
“We are going to sorely miss him. He was a great leader,” Swallows said. “Lots of teachers there this morning were talking about how he made them a member of the family and welcomed him. We’re going to do our best to support.”
