An Important Message from the Superintendent

Dear BCSD Family, 
 
There are no words. I write to you with an extremely heavy heart and without the ability to accurately convey our sorrow, our horror, and our empathy in this moment. I can only express our deepest sympathies and our commitment to be there for all of you and each other as a Brighton Family. 
 
As you may already be aware, just a few moments ago, Chief David Catholdi of the Brighton Police Department issued a statement (attached) confirming the death of TCMS sixth grader Anne (Annie) Mancuso. Annie and her grandmother were the victims of horrendous acts of domestic violence committed by Annie’s father, who also died by suicide. 
 
Annie was known to her friends and teachers as a kind, sweet, and beautiful person in every way. A thoughtful, caring student and very special friend, Annie was such a gift to her friends, family, and school community.  
 
I cannot begin to find a way to say to Annie’s mother Sarah and Sarah’s father how profoundly sorry we are. The peaceful tranquility of a winter morning was brutally broken yesterday in one of our neighborhoods and the life of an incredible child and her grandmother were taken. The circumstances would be unimaginable if they weren’t a reality. They are the very definition of unexplainable, surreal, and tragic in every way. 
 
As your neighbor, friend, colleague, and fellow parent, I join you in being horrified and deeply troubled by these events. I join you too in wanting it not to be so, in wanting to be there for Sarah, and in searching desperately for ways to explain this to my own children. There will never be an explanation, but there will be support in every way possible. 
 
Attached to this message are a variety of resources that you might find helpful in working with your children, your family, or your colleagues. 
 
Counseling support for students, staff, and families will be available on Sunday at TCMS from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. Please feel free to stop by for support. We’re here if you need it. 
 
Counseling supports for students and staff will also be available in all buildings on Monday and whenever they are needed. Students will be provided with direction on how to access those supports. Families can also reach out to their child’s teacher, counselor, Assistant Principal or Principal for help of any kind or to make arrangements for counseling. 
 
Mr. Rogers once suggested that in response to tragedy one might encourage young people to find some measure of comfort in looking “for the helpers.” Let us help and in doing so provide some degree of comfort. 
 
I don’t know how or why this happens and I don’t know what to say, other than we’re here for you and we will continue to be here with love, support, and sympathy for all, especially for Annie’s family and friends. 
 
Sincerely, 
Kevin 
 
Kevin McGowan, Ed.D. 
Superintendent of Schools