Beloved Middle School Teacher Remembered As ‘Loving’

PLEASANTON, CA — The Tri-Valley community is rallying to help the family of Mark Tierney, a Thomas Hart Middle School history teacher who died surrounded by family late Friday night. He was 46.

There were tears on campus Monday as news of Tierney’s death spread among the students and teachers who knew and loved him. The Livermore native grew up in Pleasanton and lived in San Ramon at the time of his death. He leaves behind a wife and three young children.

On Saturday, parents in the district were notified by email about Tierney's death. In the wake of the heartbreaking news, school officials Tuesday made the decision to cancel the school’s upcoming open house. Parents who would like to connect with their child’s teachers regarding progress may contact the teacher directly via e-mail, according to the school district.

Counselors are available this week for students at Hart, Foothill and Amador Valley who need support.

An online fundraiser has raised more than $23,000 since it was launched Monday. The funds will be used to help Tierney’s wife and young children recover from the medical costs, services and other expenses associated with his death.

Principal Leslie Heller sent the following email to Hart families:

Dear Hart Community,

In light of recent tragic events, we feel it would be appropriate to cancel our Hart Open House this Thursday, May 9. We continue to celebrate and cherish all of the incredible work our teachers and students have done this year, and we will have many more opportunities to do so.

We encourage members of our Hart community to seek support if you need it. The following talking points may be helpful as you support your child when dealing with a loss:

- Allow for your child to talk about their feelings. If this is the first loss your child has experienced, your child may not know how to respond and will be looking for your guidance.
- Affirm all expressions. It’s okay to express feelings honestly. Tolerate the expressions rather than dismissing them or discouraging the expression of feelings.
- Encourage written expressions
- Reaffirm that your child is safe and that your child is loved.
- Affirm that your child’s reaction is normal and you understand the way they feel.
- Watch for signs of trouble such as aggression, withdrawal, etc.

We continue to have additional counselors and supports available - please reach out to us if we can help. Additionally, please find a helpful directory of resources for grief counseling and bereavement prepared by our School Social Workers here.
Sincerely,
Leslie Heller
Principal

His funeral will be held on May 18 in San Ramon.

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