Students and faculty at Salem High School and Hightower Elementary School were dealt a heavy blow this week with the loss of a SHS senior and HTE fourth grader in separate incidents. "We are saddened by the deaths of two of our RCPS students and our thoughts are with their families and friends during this difficult time," wrote Rockdale County Public Schools spokesperson Cindy Ball. "We are providing counseling services to students, staff, and families who may need additional support, and have provided parents with information on grieving in a letter sent home with students."