Please Read this Update Regarding a Member of our Teaching Staff

Dear Parents and Caregivers,
 
We are sorry to share the news of a recent loss to our school community. Patrick Velliquette, a music and band teacher at Rainier Jr. / Sr. High School, died yesterday after a short illness. His family shared that he passed peacefully.
 
This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire district, especially our students.
 
We are taking the following steps to help students process this loss:

• Tomorrow at school, caring staff and trained professionals will be available for students who want to talk or need support with grief.
• We're sharing resources (attached) that explain how grief may look at different ages. It also includes ideas for parents and caregivers to support students.
• Counselors will continue to be available for any student who wants to talk or needs support or resources

 
Details about Mr. Velliquette's memorial services will be shared later. If you would like additional information, resources, or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Sara Gray or Aaron Fugere at 503-556-4215. More resources are on the ​letter attached to this ​post.
 
Sincerely,
 Chad Holloway
Superintendent