Beloved New Canaan Middle School Art Teacher Dies Unexpectedly: District

NEW CANAAN, CT — New Canaan Public Schools has announced Alyssa Iwanski, a beloved art teacher at Saxe Middle School, died unexpectedly over the weekend.

Superintendent Bryan Luizzi shared news of Iwanski's unexpected passing "with deep sadness" in a message sent out to families Sunday night.

"We met with the Saxe faculty and staff this evening to inform them and offer our support, and counselors will be available at Saxe [Monday] to assist students and staff as needed during this difficult time," Luizzi's message reads.

Luizzi said the district's counseling team was prepared to provide any support necessary to students and staff Monday and encouraged anyone to reach out if they feel their child could benefit from speaking with someone.

Luizzi also noted the district did not have any additional details to share at this time, however the entire NPS community was keeping Iwanski's family in their thoughts and prayers.

The district declined to comment further.

"Please join us in keeping Alyssa's family in your thoughts during this difficult time," Luizzi said in the message.

According to the New Canaan Advertiser, the district informed Saxe seventh and eighth grade students about Iwanski's passing during a morning Zoom call, and both Principal Dave Gusitsch and Assistant Principal Julia Ferreira visited each core classroom to speak directly with students.