Grief
counselors made themselves available to teachers, students and school officials Monday
following news of an eighth-grader's death, according to district spokeswoman Gerri
Hutner.
Shinjan Majumder, a 13-year-old Thomas R. Grover Middle School student,
hanged himself in his home Friday, police said.
"It was a quiet, serious day of reflection today," Ms. Hutner
said. "I can honestly say the crisis-management teams, made up of guidance
counselors, child-study experts and administrators, responded to all the needs of students
and staff in a truly professional manner."
The teams, which were headed by John Cosse, assistant superintendent of
pupil personnel services, and Guidance Director David Prutow, met over the weekend to
prepare for school Monday, and were available at the Grover school and Community Middle
School, Ms. Hutner said. Area clergy members also were on call, she said.
Grover Principal Steven Mayer sent a letter to parents, and
Superintendent John Fitzsimons sent one to district staff, following news of the death,
Ms. Hutner said.
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