WESTWOOD, N.J.—Dozens of families have turned out to aid the Lynn family of Westwood with donations, gift cards, and the promise of meal support after organizers shared the link to a Meal Train benefit, prompted by tragedy.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the need to come together as a community for a family that is newer to Westwood and lost their 12 year old daughter on July 25. If you feel led to cook a meal, order a meal or pray for the family, please do! They thank you in advance,” says organizer Janice Charles.
Rushing in to help as well, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick J. McQueeney emailed district families at 1 p.m. on Saturday with offers of counseling, an appeal to check in with your children, and a promise to follow up.
He said:
Dear Westwood Regional Community,
It is with deep sadness that I share news of a tragic loss involving a student from Westwood Regional Middle School. This heartbreaking news touches all of us, and during this incredibly difficult time, our priority is to care for and support our students, staff, and families in every way we can.
The loss of a young life is heartbreaking and impacts not only those who knew the student personally but also our entire school community. During times like these, it is essential that we come together to support one another with compassion, empathy, and care.
Although school is not currently in session, we recognize that many students, staff, and families may need support. The district is arranging for counseling and mental health resources to be made available next week for anyone in our school community who may need them. Details about how to access these supports will be shared later this weekend.
I encourage all families to take time to check in with their children, offer reassurance, and remind them that it’s okay to ask for help. Our counselors, administrators, and staff are here for you, now and throughout the school year.
We remain committed to supporting our students and staff as we grieve together and begin the healing process. Thank you for being part of a community that shows such strength and care in the face of unimaginable loss.
McQueeney signed the letter expressing sincere sympathy.
That followed closely after a letter sent just to the middle school community, and was undersigned by McQueeney and interim principal Luisa Tamburri:
Dear WRMS Families,
It is with deep sadness that we share news of a tragic loss involving one of our WRMS students. This heartbreaking news touches all of us, and during this incredibly difficult time, our priority is to care for and support our students, staff, and families in every way we can.
The loss of a young life is heartbreaking and impacts not only those who knew the student personally but also our entire school community. During times like these, it is essential that we come together to support one another with compassion, empathy, and care.
Although school is not currently in session, we recognize that many in our community may need support. We are making counseling and mental health resources available next week to any student, staff member, or family in need. Details about how to access these supports will be shared later this weekend.
During this time, we encourage you to check in with your child—listen to their feelings, reassure them that it’s okay to be upset, and let them know they are never alone. If you feel your child may need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help every student feel safe, supported, and cared for.
In difficult moments like this, we are reminded of the strength, compassion, and resilience that define the WRMS community. We will move through this together, with care for one another and with a commitment to supporting every child who is part of our school family.
With heartfelt gratitude and support,
Dr. Patrick J. McQueeney
Superintendent of SchoolsMrs. Luisa Tamburri
Interim Principal, Westwood Regional Middle School
The Meal Train page, “Meal Train for Lynn family,” has donation and scheduling information, with meal drop off location on Lake Street and a preferred drop-off time. People to cook for: three adults.
The site says that since its founding it’s facilitated 100+ million meals organized, with 3.7 million families supported, and 15,000+ families receiving a meal each day.
We will update this report.