It is with profound sadness that I write to all members of the South Colonie Central School District Community. Charlie Fernandez, a first-grade student at Saddlewood Elementary lost her two and a half-year battle with neuroblastoma cancer yesterday morning, Monday, April 19.
Charlie will be remembered for her spunky personality, her abundant love of her four-legged friend George, and the joy she brought to her friends and teachers in our school community.
The loss of a student can be a difficult and challenging situation that can generate a high level of anxiety and distress in students. During this time, as the school community processes this news and copes with grief, please know that support services are available to any students and staff who need them. If you would like to speak with someone, please call 518-456-2608.
I encourage parents and guardians to talk with their children about this sad news. Discussing thoughts and feelings about this situation is important in helping your child work through his or her grief. We would also like to share these resources for coping: https://www.southcolonieschools.org/parents/grief-resources/
Our condolences and thoughts go out to the Fernandez family and all of Charlie’s friends and classmates.