Nico Mallozzi, a New Canaan fourth grader and student at West Elementary School died suddenly yesterday, Sunday, January 14. Today, West Elementary's crisis team met to develop a plan to support our students, parents, and faculty. Please read the messages below from both Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Bryan Luizzi and West Elementary Principal, Jan Murphy.
Message from Dr. Bryan Luizzi
Superintendent of Schools
It is with a sad heart that I share with you that Nico Mallozzi, fourth grade student at West Elementary School, unexpectedly passed away yesterday morning. At this point, the cause is unknown.
Nico was a wonderful, friendly child, known throughout West as the voice of the afternoon announcements that concluded each day. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Nico’s parents and his family, and we stand ready to support them and the school community in every way possible in the time ahead.
I know you join me in keeping them in our hearts.
With sadness and love,
Bryan
Message from Jan Murphy, West Elementary School Principal,
to the Parents of West Elementary School students:
As we shared with you yesterday, Nico Mallozzi, fourth grade student at West, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday morning. Nico was a wonderful, friendly child, known throughout West School as the voice of the afternoon announcements that concluded each day. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
Today our crisis team met to develop a plan to support our students, parents and faculty. As part of our plan, we suggest that all parents have a conversation with their child about the loss of their classmate, friend or fellow West School student. This proactive approach will protect students from hearing information that might surprise or confuse them and will allow each family to personalize the message for their child.
Below is the plan we have developed for students and parents:
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Students will go directly to their classroom upon arrival at school. They will participate in a Morning Meeting with their classmates and teacher. We anticipate students will have questions and this will be an opportunity to discuss them with their teacher.
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Faculty will continue to assess the needs of every student throughout the day. Our school psychologists, social worker, school administrators and school nurse will be available to address the needs of individual students as they arise.
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Parents are invited to come to school tomorrow, Tuesday, from 9:15 AM - 10:30 AM to meet with district support staff. During this time, parents will have the opportunity to ask questions about any concerns they might have.
As you talk with your child, these are helpful suggestions:
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Use language that the child understands
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Be factual and brief (avoid euphemisms about death)
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Give your child the opportunity to express their feelings, questions, and concerns.
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Validate your child’s feelings and be available to listen as they may need extra attention in the days and weeks ahead
Thank you for your ongoing support during this difficult time. We are confident that the strength of our West School community will sustain us in the days and weeks ahead. At this time, our thoughts are with Nico's family and I know you join us in keeping them in our hearts.
Sincerely,
Jan Murphy