News Hub

NOV. 24, 2024—We reach out to you today with a heavy heart.  Messages such as this are so difficult to deliver to our school community.

We are deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of High School English Language Arts Teacher Mr. James Nickolini.

Mr. Nickolini was a teacher and coach at Pal-Mac for more than 28 years. Not only was he integral in solidifying foundational reading and writing skills for our students, his classroom was also a safe space for so many.

We are sharing this information with you so that you may talk with your child if and when you feel it most appropriate.

Our High School will be open today from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Members of our Crisis Team will be available to support our community. We invite you to stop in during these hours.

We will have flags at half staff on Monday, November 25, 2024.

As our community mourns Mr. Nickolini’s death, it is important to note that loss may impact your child differently. 

Your child may:

• Appear unaffected
• Ask repeated questions about death
• Be angry or aggressive
• Be withdrawn or appear moody
• Be sad or depressed
• Become afraid
• Have difficulty with sleeping or eating

We encourage you to listen and answer questions from your child as simply and honestly as possible. Additional resources are attached to this message.  Please understand that some of our community will be deeply impacted. 

The District will be utilizing our Crisis Intervention Plan. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your child’s Main Office. Counselors and psychologists will continue to be available in all buildings to assist in the coming school days. 

We sincerely thank you for your concern and thoughts during this difficult time. Please keep Mr. Nickolini’s family and friends in your thoughts.

Supporting Children’s Mental Health

Guiding Adults in Talking to Children About Death and Attending Services