The authors work in a seventh and eighth grade middle school in a suburb of Chicago. At their school, they have built a community of learners in which they share a deep commitment to a progressive, child-centered approach to education. As stated in their district's philosophy document, they believe that "a school must be a place where cooperation, compassion, and responsibility are taught and exercised, where self direction and problem solving are consistently fostered and self esteem is nurtured. These experiences enable young people to develop confidence in their own skills and abilities as well as a concern for others." In the spring of 2004, their community experienced the tragic suicide of Erika, an eighth grade student. This article presents exchange letters between school Principal Dan Schwartz and teacher/advisor Linda Bachta reflecting on the challenges faced by the school community in the wake of this tragedy. These reflections were written approximately one year after Erika's death, giving Dan and Linda enough time to heal and consider lessons learned during those difficult days.