School Officials Reach Out to Community After Child's Death

Croton-Harmon school officials sent a note home to parents and posted resources for families in the wake of the death Sunday of Lacey Carr, a student at Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School.

Lacey was a first-grader in Patricia Lynch’s class at CET.

SEE: Child Dead, Mother Hospitalized in Croton-on-Hudson Tragedy

The letter came from schools Superintendent Edward Fuhrman:

Dear Members of the Croton-Harmon School Community:

The district has been informed by the Croton Police Department that one of our CET first grade students in Mrs. Lynch’s class died unexpectedly on Sunday. We are extremely saddened to hear about the loss of this student. The Croton-Harmon School District Board of Education, Administration, Faculty and Staff extend our thoughts and deepest condolences to the student’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Each student is a valued member of our educational community and a young person’s death is always tragic and a sudden loss like this can have a profound effect on the entire school community. When school reopens tomorrow, Tuesday, April 7, our counselors and support services will be available for students, parents and staff for as long as needed as we mourn and cope with the loss of such a precious life.

The district encourages parents to talk with their children and will be posting some resources on the district’s website on how to talk to your child about death. Any parent who has questions or concerns, can contact my office for assistance.

Dr. Edward R. Fuhrman

Superintendent of Schools

There are resources on the district website to help parents talk to children of various ages about death:

• Death and Grief: Supporting Children & Youth
• Dealing with Death
• The Child’s Loss: Death, Grief & Mourning

School officials also reminded the community that school psychologists, counselors, and social worker can also provide families with other resources and support.

Croton-Harmon students return to school tomorrow after spring recess.

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