Schools respond to tragedy
Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2008
BENTONVILLE - Students and teachers throughout the Bentonville School District were deeply affected by news that five of their own were killed in an early Tuesday morning fire.
Firefighters retrieved the bodies of Kristan Frazier, 13; Kimberly Frazier, 11; Katelyn Mahmens, 9; Kaila Frazier, 8; and Kiya Frazier, 5, from their residence at 402 S. W. B St. All five were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Bentonville Police Chief James Allen.
The children had been in the school district for several years, Superintendent Gary Compton said.
"Both the adults and kids (in the district ) have been affected," he said Tuesday afternoon. "Everyone in the district is having a hard time with this today."
Kristan was a student at Lincoln Junior High School, Kimberly attended Ruth Hale Barker Middle School, and the youngest three were students at Sugar Creek Elementary School.
"The staff and students at LJHS are deeply saddened by the loss of Kristan Frazier," Principal Rose Peterson said. "After the morning Pledge of Allegiance, I made a brief announcement to students, and we observed a moment of silence in her memory.
"Our precious students are writing down their thoughts about Kristan on cards they are making," Peterson said. "They also want to share their ideas of how to help the parents. It is difficult for them at this age, as many of them have never had to deal with the death of a classmate."
Several of the girls who died had attended Mary Mae Jones Elementary School before transferring or moving up to the schools they attended before their deaths. Principal Mike Mumma said students at Mary Mae were not informed of the tragedy, but news had reached the staff early in the morning.
"People were (visibly ) upset at all grade levels," he said. "They've already made plans to honor the students in some way."
Mumma said the oldest child was enrolled at his former school, Apple Glen Elementary School. He said all the girls were good students and were well-liked.
"They were very outgoing, smart girls," he said. "It's a sad tragedy."
Counselors have been made available throughout the district to help students and staff deal with their grief.
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