OVID, N.Y. (WHCU) — Students and staff in the South Seneca School District are still reeling more than a week after the tragic death of a fourth-grade student.

Superintendent Steve Zielinski released a letter to the community on Saturday, more than a week after Ellamae McLaughlin died in a car accident. Zielinski says resources were stretched last week to aid in the grieving process. Funeral services for the nine-year-old were held over the weekend.

Zielinski says it will take a long time to fully recover and heal from the loss.