Cicero District 99 Families,

It is with deep regret that we inform you about a recent loss to our school community. 

Maximiliano Hernandez, an eighth-grade student at Unity Junior High School, passed away following a long battle with cancer. 

This loss is sure to raise some emotions and questions for our entire school, especially for our students. 

The first priority for Cicero District 99 is the safety, security and emotional well-being of all our students and staff. In order to best support our school community, we have enacted a plan to address student and staff needs. 

The District has a Crisis Intervention Team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents and school personnel during difficult times such as this. At Unity, we have school social workers available for any student who may need or want help surrounding this loss. Students have been instructed to reach out to their classroom teachers when and if they need support from our resource staff. 

Enclosed is a list of community resources and 24-hour hotlines for bereavement and/or survivors in case students or staff need to talk after school hours.

We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will take every effort to help your children manage through this difficult time. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Unity administrative team. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Aldo Calderin

Superintendent

Staff and Community Resources for Mental Health Support: 

Staff and Community Resource: Care Solace Support Link (English) Care Solace Support Link (Spanish) 

Grief Resources

D99 Mental Health Resource Page