OAS Principal Reacts to Death of Assistant Principal Carmela Colosimo

Editor's note: The following information was originally published on the Cranford school district's website.

Dear OAS Family

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that Ms. Carmela Colosimo, our Orange Avenue assistant principal, passed away today. We are deeply saddened by this news and continue to pray for the family and we will support them in every way that we can. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school, especially our students.

Ms. Colosimo distinguished herself as a caring, loving family woman. She considered the students, staff and parents of Orange Avenue part of her extended family. She was a valuable member of the school family and has many friends who will miss her dearly. It is at this time I ask you to bring your families close together and share this sad news with our children in a supportive, home environment. It is possible that one or more of your children had her for a teacher or administrator and that is why we wanted share this news with you so that you will be prepared to discuss the situation with your child at home. When Orange Avenue resumes tomorrow, we will have counseling representatives from around the district available for students and staff. Our school has a Crisis Intervention Team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this. At our school, we have counselors available for any student who may need or want any type of assistance surrounding this loss. We encourage you, as parents, to also feel free to use our resources.

Once we have information about the arrangements, we will communicate that by e-mail. We will share this information with our middle school students during first period and the elementary teachers will share this information with students at the start of the school day. Should you wish for your child to be excused, please let the office know first thing in the morning.

This is a difficult time for all of us in the school family. My staff and I stand ready and prepared to assist you and your child in any way we can. She was a wonderful person and educator and will be greatly missed by many people. Our hearts and thoughts are with her family. We will notify when plans to honor her here at our school are finalized.

If there is something I can do for you or your families during this very sad time please do not hesitate to contact me.

Most Sincerely,

Michelle Vella Principal