A statement from Utica City School District Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Davis on the passing of a Utica City School District student.
To Our Utica City School District Community,
It is with profound and heartbreaking sadness that I announce the passing of Utica City School District student. On behalf of the entire Utica City School District community, I extend our deepest condolences and sincere wishes for strength to the student’s family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time. Out of respect for the family the name of the student will not be released at this time.
A student's passing is an incredibly challenging situation that affects our entire school community deeply. It can generate a high level of anxiety and distress for our students. As we come to terms with this tragic loss and collectively navigate the waves of grief, we want to assure you that we are here to support each and every one of our students and staff members.
Our dedicated crisis team of counselors, school psychologists, and trained staff at UCSD is ready to provide counseling and bereavement support services to those in need over the upcoming days. Even if your child did not personally know the child, they may still be impacted by this tragedy, and we encourage you to engage in open and compassionate conversations with them about what has happened. These discussions are essential in helping your children work through their grief and emotions.
If you believe your child would benefit from speaking with a guidance counselor, teacher, or another trusted adult, please reach out to our guidance department or school administration. We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for all of us, but we firmly believe in the resilience of our students, staff, and community. Together, we will find the strength to support one another and navigate this tragedy as one unified community.
Lastly, it is crucial to remember that both our homes and schools must remain safe havens for every member of our community. Senseless tragedies like this one remind us that we are not immune to the nationwide violence epidemic that has found its way into our small part of the world. Now more than ever, we must unite as a school, a community, and a city to address this issue head-on. Together, we can work towards making lasting changes that ensure the safety and well-being of every individual. Let us stand as a beacon of hope, sending a powerful message that love, peace, and humanity will always triumph over darkness, not just within our school walls but throughout our entire community.
The district has increased police and security presence where needed in the district.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Dr. Kathleen Davis
Interim Superintendent
Utica City School District