The following letter was sent by Valerie Henning-Piedmonte, Brewster Superintendent of Schools on September 4, 2018:
Dear Brewster Community,
This morning, we were notified that one of our high school students in 10th grade, Oscar Gonzalez, drowned last night at Lake Tonetta. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our staff who knew him, taught him or coached him are devastated. Oscar was a lovely young man who will be sorely missed. Our staff has also been in contact with Oscar’s parents and have notified local agencies who can assist his family.
While today is a Superintendent’s Conference Day for employees, we will be providing grief counseling services for students starting at 1:30pm today at Brewster High School. Transportation will be provided with pick ups on the B15, B8 and B9 routes. For students who are on these routes, the bus will be arriving four hours later than their schedule and will arrive at Brewster High School at 1:30pm. If students are not on these routes and need transportation, please call the Transportation Department at 279-4700 to request a ride. Students should go to the counseling office today at Brewster High School when they arrive. In addition, grief counseling will be available for students and staff for as long as it is needed. On tomorrow, September 5th, students seeking grief counseling should go to the iTheatre in the ILC (Innovative Learning Center) at the high school.
There are no words of comfort that ease the pain when a parent loses a child. When something tragic like this occurs, we should cherish all who we love and draw them close to us.
Thank you for your kindness.
Warmly,
Valerie Henning-Piedmonte