PSMS 278

May 1, 2020

Dear PS/MS 278 Family,

It is with a heavy heart I write to inform you of the death of our dear student, Manny Flores. Manny, along with his friend and classmate Isaiah Moronta, had been missing since March 13th. The loss of Manny has been a tragedy for his family, our students, and whole school community. As we as a community grieve over the loss of our student, we send our condolences to his family and share in their sorrow.

This has been a devastating situation and this latest development will have a significant impact on our students, staff, and families. We will continue to be prepared for the coming days and weeks.

Our School Crisis Team and school counselors will provide support for students and staff as needed. While our school building remains closed during the pandemic, team members will be available to meet virtually with students individually and in groups to provide support. Our staff is committed to working as closely as possible with the students to provide information and help them to express what they might be experiencing. It is equally important that you as their parent/guardian also provide your child with special understanding and support during this challenging time.

Please feel free to reach out to me or our school counselor (Ms. Mateo: amateo4@schools.nyc.gov) if you have any questions or concerns. Also, we encourage you to utilize the DOE Crisis Page for additional resources (www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/special-situations/crisis-or-traumatic-event).

It is with deep sadness that we confront this loss and we will do everything we can to support you and your child.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Bryanna Velazquez
Principal

April, 22, 2020

Dear PS/MS 278 Family,

As you are aware, two of our beloved middle school students have been missing since they were last seen along the Hudson River on March 13. With a heavy heart and deep sadness, I am writing to inform you of the death of one of those students, our dear Isaiah Moronta from class 702. The loss of Isaiah is a tragedy for his family and our school. Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to his family and our entire school community.

We know how devastating this situation has been for our school community and I anticipate that the coming days and weeks will be particularly difficult for everyone. We have professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel during difficult times. Our School Crisis Team and counselors will be available to provide remote counseling for any student or staff member who may need or want help surrounding this loss. Team members will continue to check-in with students and staff to provide support and resources.

Our staff is working closely with our students to provide information and help to express the pain and sadness they might be experiencing. It is equally important that you as their parent also provide your child with understanding and support during this difficult time.

Please feel free to reach out to me, our school counselor (Ms. Mateo: amateo4@schools.nyc.gov), or to another staff member if you have any questions or concerns. As always, our parent coordinator (Ms. Gonzalez: agonzalez32@schools.nyc.gov & 972.910.1711), can also assist you in accessing support. Also, we encourage you to utilize the DOE Crisis Page for additional resources (www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/special-situations/crisis-or-traumatic-event). Attached is an example of one such resource, a guide to help your child navigate grief based on their age level.

We are saddened by the loss of this beloved student from our school community and we will do everything we can to help and support you and your child.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Bryanna Velazquez
Principal