P.A. - Community

The West Seneca School community is deeply saddened by the unexpected and tragic passing of Paul Alvarez, who was lovingly known to his family and friends as Pablo.

Pablo was a special young man who was an incredibly protective big brother to his three younger siblings. His charismatic personality made an impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Anytime a young member of our community is lost it impacts the entire school district. For students in need of support in dealing with the loss of their classmate, we are offering the following resources provided by our school personnel:

• We will have counseling support available on Monday, 12/22 from 10 AM - 12 PM at West Senior High School in the Student Services Office.

• If this time does not work for your family, you are welcome to email members of our Student Support Team to schedule an on-line counseling session. Please email Katie Fogarty, School Psychologist at: kfogarty@wscschools.org or Briona Luthart, School Social Worker at: bluthart@wscschools.org

Additionally, given the upcoming school break, we understand that families may be traveling or out of town. If your child is in need of grief support, please consider these community-based services:

• Youth Mental Health-Teen Chat Line is an accessible resource for connection and support. Through this line trained Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) support is available to students in formats that are familiar, available and in many cases preferred by many youth. Youth Peer Advocates are available typically Monday through Friday from 2pm – 8pm and available to speak with a youth who may be struggling, lonely, or isolated and needs the attention and support of the Teen Chat Line-Just Tell One Program. The number is 716-245-6581. They will have limited hours during the holiday:

• Monday 12/22 & Tuesday, 12/23 from 2pm – 8pm
• Monday 12/29 & Tuesday, 12/30 from 2pm – 8pm

• Kids Help Line-Crisis Services 24/7: Call (716) 834-1144. Specially trained counselors are available to assist young callers-school-age children, adolescents, and parents with immediate and confidential support on a variety of topics and needs.

• 24 Hour Crisis Services Hotline: Call (716) 834-3131.

• 988 Helpline: 988 is a direct connection to compassionate and accessible care-available 24/7. You can call, text, or chat 988 and you will be connected to trained counselors that can assist with a crisis. You can also call 1-800-273-8255. Either number will get people to the same services.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Alvarez family and all of his friends.

With Sadness,

Dr. Lisa Krueger

Superintendent of Schools