Slain OKC Girl's Classmates Remember Her As Kind, Thoughtful

Darren Brown, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- When ten-year-old Jasmen Gonzalez's body was found Sunday afternoon, it sent shockwaves through John Glenn Elementary School, especially her fourth-grade class.

Gonzalez, who had traveled to Carrollton, Texas to visit family, and disappeared on Saturday night. Her body was found and identified on Sunday afternoon.

10/31/2011 Related Story: Medical Examiner: OKC Girl Died Of Stab Wound In Texas

John Roberts, Gonzalez's homeroom teacher, has spent forty years teaching a variety of lessons to his students. Monday's lesson was not one he had ever planned for, but it was necessary.

It's never an easy situation, it's not something you can hide," said Roberts. "So we talked about it, we focused on it as best as we knew how, and let the students kinda vent their feelings.

Gonzalez's classmates spent part of their day making notes and letters to give to the Gonzalez family. They're also working on a book of memories to share with them.

Archie Scott is the principal at John Glenn Elementary. He's dealt with any number of crises over the years including the Murrah bombing. He's glad that systems and resources are in place, but claims those plans can't take into account the effect a child's death may have on a school's staff.

"It impacts so many different people in your building," Scott said. "From staff to kids to parents, and you have to be ready to work with all of those."

Roberts' classroom door still has one of Gonzales' last assignments posted on it, along with those of her classmates. Her desk sits just as it did last week, but now covered with notes and paper roses from her classmates.

More:

10/30/2011 Related Story: Missing OKC Girl Found Dead Near Texas Apartment Complex