(KAIR)--The Atchison County Community Schools are mourning the loss of a student, with counselors brought in to assist with the grieving process.

A letter from the Superintendent of Schools for USD 377, Dr. Andrew Gaddis, was sent to parents Sunday.

The letter explains that the school district was notified Saturday night of what Gaddis calls "the sudden and tragic loss" of a 12th grade student.

According to the letter, the student's death "may be the first time that [students] have experienced a loss of someone close to them." Gaddis, saying that it is important for the students to "have the necessary time and support during this period of grief," explains in the letter that counselors and social workers were being made available to "any students, staff and community members who need them."

First made available late Sunday afternoon, additional counselors were brought in Monday, with counseling to continue to be available later into the week, as needed.

The cause of death, and the student's name, have not been stated publicly.