West Fargo students are rallying in the wake of 5 deaths in less than 2 months

West Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) -- West Fargo school officials say students at the high school have rallied around each other in the wake of five student deaths, in less than two months.

Superintendent David Flowers along with his counseling team, talked about the efforts on-going to work with students still grieving. Superintendent Flowers today said each of the five deaths at the high school this winter, has been a blow to the student body.

Tessa Miller, Levi Schulz, Ian Alves, Mackenzie Walkin, and most recently Ryan McLeod were students at West Fargo High, and died in recent weeks.

West Fargo school officials would not comment on any specific student's death, but said the counseling staff and crisis team have done a good job of reaching out to students during the loss of students. Some have received counseling in school. Others have been referred to other outside professionals.

Social media however, proved to be an issue for administration, as students used Facebook and texting to communicate immediately following each death.

Dr. David Flowers, West Fargo School Supt. says, "And the frustration for the school district is we cannot have Facebook response. We are not authorized and we cannot engage in that and it is frustrating to see speculation and sheer untruths."

The counseling staff says the student organized candlelight vigils and memorials were helpful to the students. During these times of data privacy, schools have been forced to step back and have no part of "on campus" memorials for students.

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