Dear JGW School Families,
We hope this finds you well and that you are enjoying the summer.
Some of you may be aware already, but two weeks ago the husband of one of our teachers, Mrs. LaCoste had a terrible accident. He is the Principal of the Robinson School in Westford, MA. While playing with his children in his yard, he slipped and fell from a tree, severely injuring himself after the fall. He suffered a spinal cord injury, and is currently being treated at Mass General Hospital. He has successfully undergone surgery to stabilize his spine. In the upcoming weeks, the plan is for him to move to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital to begin a rehab program.
Please keep your thoughts with Mr. and Mrs. LaCoste as they begin this journey through the recovery process.
We in the JGW family know how important Mrs. LaCoste has become to our school and this district, as she served as a teacher at Golden Hill Elementary School for years prior to joining us here at JGW before last school year. Over the past couple of weeks, we have also learned how Mr. LaCoste is such an important part of the lives of students at both the Robinson and Crisafulli Schools in Westford. Because they both care so much for their school communities, we would like to show him how much we care for them. We would like to send some cheer and well wishes by making cards or signs for Mr. and Mrs. LaCoste. We will have box ready for collection at JGW on Wednesday, August 7th. You can drop off the cards right at the school. The boxes will be inside the front doors near the Main Office.
We know it will be a challenging recovery for Mr. and Mrs. LaCoste, but know that the cards and signs from our school community will bring smiles and happiness to them.
As always, we are here to support our families. Below you will find some links that you may find helpful if your child has questions about Mr. LaCoste’s accident. We have also included information from the local news outlets and Mr. LaCoste’s CaringBridge page, which provides updates on his progress.
Thank you for your care and support during this time. Take care.
Mr. Betty
Helpful Links:
“Managing Strong Emotional Reactions to Traumatic Events: Tips for Families and Teachers” https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/mental-health-resources/trauma/managing-strong-emotional-reactions-to-traumatic-events-tips-for-families-and-teachers
“Supporting Student Experiencing Childhood Trauma: Tips for Parents and Educators” https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/mental-health-resources/trauma/supporting-students-experiencing-childhood-trauma-tips-for-parents-and-educators
LaCoste Strong Caringbridge Page https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lacostestrong
WBZ-TV https://boston.cbslocal.com/2019/07/23/kevin-lacoste-injured-westford-principal-accident/
Fox 25 News . https://www.boston25news.com/news/wife-of-westford-principal-paralyzed-in-accident-speaks-about-his-recovery/971713283
Lowell Sun https://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_32747871/outpouring-support-westford-principal-hurt-fall-from-tree?source=rss_viewed