Very Sad News

September 5, 2021

Dear Families:

It is with great sadness that I share with you the death of a former CMS student, Kyla Brito like as a result of a sudden medical event.   We were notified late last night of her death on September 3 and spent the day with Riverside Trauma Center while connecting with the middle school staff and some of the families we know to be close to Kyla.

Kyla attended CMS for 6th, 7th and most of her 8th grade year through the METCO program, before transferring to another school district last spring. For the 2021-2022 school year, Kyla was about to enter her first year of high school.

Those who knew Kyla knew her as a young woman who was kind in all of her interactions, soft in the care she consistently gave her friends, and quick to smile and offer calm joy to those around her.  Her loss will be felt deeply by the students and staff who knew her.

It is very difficult for all of us to face the death of a young person. On Monday September 6, a team of counselors from Riverside Trauma Center will be available in-person at the Sanborn building and via Zoom from 2 pm to 4 pm in order to provide support for Kyla’s classmates and teachers, as well as anyone in the community who feels impacted by this tragedy.   The Zoom link is found here:  https://concordps.zoom.us/j/4370634554

Your child may have questions and worries about this loss. Below are resources that may prove helpful as you discuss Kyla’s death. Please feel free to reach out to your student’s guidance counselor or a school leader if you are particularly concerned about the impact this might have on your student.

Talking with Your Children About Traumatic Events

Understanding the Grief of Children

Normal/Expected Reactions to Death

Because we have an extraordinary school community, many of you will ask what you can do to support the family during this difficult time. As soon as we have this information, we will share it with you.

Best,

Laurie