Capistrano Unified Superintendent Addresses Recent Tragedies

A message from Capistrano Unified Superintendent Kirsten Vital:

Dear CUSD Community,

It is with great sadness that I share with you that four district students were involved in a terrible car accident this Saturday. In a separate, unrelated incident, we also suffered the unexpected loss of one of our District teachers, Lissette DeLoye, from San Juan Elementary School. As a long-time educator, as your Superintendent, and as a parent, my heart is breaking.

Tragedies such as these bring unimaginable pain to our students, families, and staff members. No words of sorrow or comfort will adequately address or heal the deep impact the loss of these lives will have on our community. No answers will adequately address or explain why these lives were taken so suddenly and unexpectedly. At this time, our thoughts and sympathy are with the families and friends of these young students and beloved teacher.

Our focus right now, as a district, is to provide support to students, staff members, and families during the difficult days and weeks ahead. Additional counseling support will be available for all students, families, and employees. These professionals, including counselors, guidance assistants, psychologists, teachers, and administrators, will reach out to friends and classmates of the students, as well as any staff member or student needing extra support coping with this devastating loss.

Should you or your children need support in coping with these tragic events, please do not hesitate to contact your school principal or Wendy Pospichal at 949-234-9260 or Steve Gelsinger at 949-234-9287 at the District office. Additionally, you can access the District website at www.capousd.org to find resources you may use to talk about these types of situations.

Once again, our thoughts and condolences are with the families during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Kirsten M. Vital

Superintendent

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