"The entire school community extends our heartfelt thought and prayers" to the family of junior Jared Bowen "during this difficult time," Principal Joseph J. Occhino wrote.
The school had a delayed opening Wednesday, with homeroom at 9:45 a.m., when students were informed of Jared's passing, the principal said. Bus pickup was postponed for two hours.
The Crisis Response Team, school counselors, Child Study Team members and counselors from other area high schools were made available throughout the day for students and staff, Occhino said.
“Dealing with this loss will be particularly challenging for our students and staff, and will be an ongoing and lengthy process," the principal told parents. "We will continue to keep you up to date on how we plan to support your children in the coming weeks and months.
"All interventions and support will be implemented based on expert advice and in our students' best interest.”
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