Dear Families,
It is with great sadness that I shared with your child that Tony Porras died last week after a long hospitalization. We cried together, shared stories, and talked as we began to process this unexpected news. While our classroom was full of grief, it was also full of love, as children reached out to support each other and also to share how much Tony meant to them.
Children experience grief and sadness in many ways just as grown-ups do. Children that were close to Tony are experiencing the loss of their friend, while others may be feeling feelings from past grief that has been brought back to the surface as a result of the news. Resources and information on helping your child to cope with loss were sent home last week. Please keep in communication if you need additional resources or even to share more about how your child is reacting to this news so I can best support your child at school.
Tony meant a lot to our school community. He was a positive light in the world. His smile and kindness made him a good friend, while his easy-going nature and sense of humor made him fun to be around. Tony will be remembered for his love of family and friends, soccer, nature, and all things hedgehog! Smile on, young friend, smile on!
Sincerely,
Aaron Padgen-Soucy
