Dear Putnam Valley Community:
We are struggling to comprehend what has happened to our school community. Since we first learned of the unimaginable loss of two students, Alina and Jeremiah Toone, time feels frozen. I understand I am not alone in searching for the opportunity to fully grieve for our community and the Toone family. Together, we are just beginning to find our way forward in the aftermath of such a heartbreaking tragedy.
Despite the profound sadness felt across our community, I could not be more proud of how our community has once again come together to support our students, colleagues, and families. Watching our staff, especially our clinical and administrative colleagues, put aside their own personal grief to care for others has been truly inspiring. The outpouring of support from neighboring districts and communities has also been humbling. There was not a school within miles of Putnam Valley that did not offer to send clinical or administrative staff to help support our community.
As we move into the weekend, I hope everyone finds moments of peace, rest, reflection, and time with loved ones. Grief affects everyone differently, and we recognize that many students and adults are processing this loss in their own way and in their own time.
When we return on Monday, our staff will continue to stand ready to support our students in every way possible. Counselors, clinicians, administrators, teachers, and support staff remain available to help students navigate the difficult emotions and challenges that accompany such a devastating loss.
Our high school administration has also been working closely with student leaders to help guide them in identifying meaningful and appropriate ways to honor Alina and Jeremiah. As a public school district, there are limitations on what we can formally organize on campus; however, we are grateful for the support of our Town officials, who have offered the use of the Town Park to support our students and community in any way possible.
As a gesture of support for the Putnam Valley school community and the Toone family, I have exercised my right, consistent with district policy, to order our school flags to be flown at half-staff through the end of next week.
Please take care of yourself, reach out to one another, and encourage your children to connect with a trusted adult at school if they need support.
I am proud to be a member of this community and honored to serve the Putnam Valley School District.
With deep sympathy and ongoing support for the Toone family and our community,
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools