Defino Principal Dr. Sandra Morris Dies

Dr. Sandra Nelson Morris, principal of Defino Central Elementary, has died. The district released a statement to media and parents, the cause of her death was not included.

"It is with great sadness that I inform you of the loss of our beloved principal, Dr. Sandra Nelson Morris. An outstanding principal, educator, colleague, and friend, she will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives she touched," the release from Superintendent Dr. David Abbott said.

Assistance Principal Nicholas Camera will act as the school's administrator, according to Sharon Witchel, district community and school relations director.

Defino Central will close Jan. 4. All other district schools will remain open.

Tonight, Jan. 4 from 7-8 p.m., an informal memorial for Defino Central families and district staff will be held at the school.

Students will have the opportunity to talk about Dr. Morris with their classmates, facilitated by their classroom teachers. Parents and staff will be invited to come together in the school’s gymnasium to share their memories.

Defino Central’s school counselor, Mrs. Katherine Schuh will be available for grief counseling for children. She can be reached at 732-972-2099, ext. 6260.

In addition to the regularly scheduled before- and after-care at Defino, daytime childcare will be available through Champions. If you wish to arrange for the daytime option, please contact Thea Pace, Champions area manager, at 732-407-3662, for hours of operation and fees.

Parking for the memorial will be available in the Defino Central parking lot and across the street at the Center for Jewish Life. Spaces will be limited, so please try to carpool if possible. In addition, parking will be available at 355 Route 520. A shuttle bus will transport families and staff back and forth between the two schools.