This manual is designed as a resource for elementary and secondary school administrators, counselors, and teachers to help develop a crisis management plan for use in the event of death of a staff member or student through illness, accident, or by suicide. The first section discusses the grieving process. Characteristics associated with grieving are outlined, and other signs and symptoms of grief are described. Information is also provided to help identify individuals who might be at risk for reacting intensely to a death. General information is presented about grief reactions in the young. The second section describes a typical crisis response team. Goals and policies for intervention from the crisis response team are discussed. The third section looks at crisis response management. This section provides points to consider when developing and implementing a crisis management plan. Also provided in this section are an action checklist, classroom pointers for teachers, and questions to assist with evaluation of the crisis management plan. The fourth section discusses the impact of suicide on the school environment. General recommendations are provided for handling such a crisis. Reference sources, a bibliography, and resource lists are included. The appendices include a suicide prevention list; suggestions for a memorial service; and sample staff memo, students' statement, media release, and classroom agendas. (LLL)