The following is an important message from Principal Rachel Stead:
Our school community was deeply saddened Saturday to learn that Newcomer Program first-grade teacher Agija VanDerwiel has passed away.
Ms. VanDerwiel was a beloved member of the Albany International Academy community since 2021. She touched the lives of many of our students, families and colleagues, both at our school and during her previous assignments as an elementary teacher and an ENL teacher at the former North Albany Academy from 2006-19, and as an ENL teacher at New Scotland Elementary School from 2019-21.
We recognize that this news may be difficult for children to understand and process. We wanted to share the information with you first so that you may have an opportunity to talk with your students at home before we return to school Monday.
We encourage you to talk with your child about this loss in a way that feels natural and comfortable for your family. Your child may have questions, may want to share memories or may simply need comfort and reassurance. Listening and letting them express their feelings will be very important during this time.
Here are some resources for addressing grief with your child:
- , from the National Association of School Psychologists
On Monday, school counselors, social workers and support staff will be available to help students who may need extra support. If you feel your child may need additional support, please reach out to us at school.
We are grieving the loss of Ms. VanDerwiel and extend our heartfelt sympathy to her family and all who knew and loved her. As a school community, we will honor her memory and support one another through this difficult time.