Dear Parents, Guardians and Staff:

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Vanya Citrano, a freshman at Verona High School.

A celebration of his life will be held in the Church of the Holy Spirit, 36 Gould Street, Verona on Monday, September 5 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held at Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m.

Parents are encouraged to attend the services with their child. Students will have varied reactions to the death of a peer. Any reaction is normal in the grief process and can range from withdrawal, to crying and anger. I encourage you to openly discuss with your child their reactions and feelings.

Special counseling services have been made available to students today, will continue to be available over the weekend and ongoing throughout the school year, as needed.

If you think your child needs additional counseling support, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s principal or counselors in your school. Please join us in our sympathy and support for the Citrano family.

Sincerely yours,

Rui Dionisio

Superintendent of Schools