Dear Parents, Guardians, Caregivers, Teachers, and Staff Members,

It has been an incredibly difficult week for our school community. We continue to send our love, support, and deepest condolences to the family as they navigate an unimaginable loss. As our community grieves the tragic death of one of our students, I also want to express my sincere gratitude for the compassion, kindness, and support that have been demonstrated throughout Wilton over the past several days.

In the midst of profound sadness, we have witnessed the very best of our community. Neighbors are supporting neighbors,  students are leaning on one another, staff members are going above and beyond to care for our children. Countless individuals have sent messages of love, comfort, and remembrance. While no words can lessen the pain of such a loss, it is the collective strength and compassion of this community that will carry us to better days.

As we continue to support students, staff, and families, I would like to share that our response is being guided by a community-based postvention team comprised of professionals and organizations with expertise in crisis response, mental health support, and suicide prevention. This team includes representatives from Wilton Public Schools, Wilton Social Services, the Wilton Police Department, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Catalyst CT/The Hub, and Kids in Crisis, and the Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparation. 

Together, these partners are helping to ensure that our response is thoughtful, coordinated, and grounded in evidence-based best practices. Their guidance is helping us support those most affected, connect individuals with appropriate resources, promote the health and well-being of our entire community, and prioritize activities as we move forward. Over the last several days, many community members have reached out with thoughtful suggestions about various programs and activities to support our community. In responding to a crisis, we follow an evidence-based crisis intervention model. We are currently in the acute crisis-response phase which emphasizes an individualized approach to responding to mental health needs. 

Grief affects people differently, and there is no single timeline for healing. Some students and adults may appear to be coping well, while others may continue to struggle in the days and weeks ahead. We encourage all families to remain attentive to the emotional needs of their children and to seek support whenever concerns arise.

Attached to this you will find a comprehensive list of school-based and regional mental health contacts, information about warning signs to look for, and numerous resources to support conversations with your children. 

Our schools will continue to provide support for students and staff, and we remain committed to working closely with our community partners to ensure that help is available to anyone who needs it.

Thank you for the care you have shown one another during this difficult time. By continuing to support one another with compassion, understanding, and kindness, we honor the values that exemplify our Wilton Community. 

Sincerely,

Kevin J. Smith, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools