The Shell Rock Elementary principal has passed away. Suz SmolikHagen was visiting her daughter in Atlanta, Georgia when she died in her sleep at a hotel. According to a post from SmolikHagen’s daughter, Meg McAloon, the medical examiner’s office found that SmolikHagen had an enlarged heart and she likely died of a heart attack. There was no sign of a struggle and the ME did not believe that she suffered. SmolikHagen was the principal at Shell Rock last school year and had previously served the district as a coach and AEA Team Representative. AEA crisis team members are available by phone, Zoom or in person for anyone who may need additional support during this time. Details of a visitation are still being worked out. The family is also planning a Celebration of Life rather than a funeral because, as McAloon put it, “Mom would have preferred a party with dancing and music over a stuffy service.”
The following was sent to the Waverly-Shell Rock community on Tuesday:
Dear Waverly-Shell Rock school family,
The purpose of this email is to share the sad news that Suz Smolikhagen, elementary principal, died yesterday at her daughter’s home in Atlanta. Suz had been a principal at Waverly-Shell Rock since the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year and previously served the district as a coach and AEA Team Representative. Suz was an integral, valued leader who will be deeply missed.
We understand that this news is shocking and difficult to learn. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Suz’s family and loved ones as well as those on staff who worked most closely with her. Suz touched many, many lives over the course of her career in education.
AEA crisis team members are available by phone, Zoom or in person for anyone who may need additional support during this time. Simply contact Beth Weber at (319) 321-6135 to schedule a time to meet.
As a parent, you may be looking for suggestions on how to talk to your child about this loss. Death may affect your child in a number of different ways depending on the age of the child, how well the child knew the deceased and the child’s prior experience with grief. We are attaching a report from the Dougy Center (a world-renowned organization that provides support for individuals and organizations seeking to assist children in grief) entitled Ten Tips for Supporting Children Who Are Grieving.
Once funeral arrangements are known, we will send a follow-up email to inform everyone.
Let us honor the memory of Suz by supporting one another during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
David Hill
Superintendent