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Community Corner

Letter To Editor

Dear Editor –

As we remained stunned at the tragic death of Danvers High School math teacher, Colleen Ritzer, we felt it is important to publicly state how proud we are of the way our school administration, faculty, staff, and students have responded.  When each of us ran for school committee it never crossed our minds that we would ever have to react to the alleged murder of one of our teachers in one of our schools.  It was as unthinkable then as it is now. 

As we try to move on from this horrific event, what will remain with us is how our schools, the town of Danvers, surrounding communities, and the nation came together with one goal – comforting and supporting those most directly affected.  Our deepest sympathies go out to the Ritzer family, Colleen’s friends, colleagues and students.  By all accounts she was an amazing teacher who inspired those in and out of her class with a love of learning, positive attitude, and infectious smile.

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We already knew that we have an outstanding administration, but this knowledge was reinforced many times over as they responded to this tragic event.  Superintendent, Lisa Dana, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and DHS Principal, Sue Ambrozavitch, Business Manager, Keith Taverna, and DHS Assistant Principals, Mark Strout and Mark DeCiccio worked around the clock to make sure that the staff and students would have the support they need to try to process their feelings and feel safe in their school.  Town Manager, Wayne Marquis, Police Chief, Neil Ouellette and the entire Danvers Police Department were also critical in the management of this incident.

The relationship that the Danvers Public Schools has with our police department, fire department, district attorney’s office, other school districts, and community groups is solid.  These relationships have been nurtured over many years and is the reason that such a rapid, well thought out plan was able to be immediately put into action.  We were fortunate to have the immediate guidance and assistance of Northeast Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC), a group of officers trained to deal with traumatic situations, particularly in schools.  It was certainly reassuring to hear Wilmington police Lt. Scott Sencabaugh, a member of NEMLEC, praise Danvers officials during the parent meeting held at the high school.  We couldn’t agree more with his assessment.

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Finally, to the students of Danvers High School, we have never been more proud. From the student-led vigil to the support you showed each other and your teachers, and from the way you conducted yourself at the services for Ms. Ritzer to the countless ways you have begun to honor her memory, you more than lived up to the DHS motto of “Ladies and Gentlemen Always.”  We know you made Ms. Ritzer proud too.

Sincerely,

Eric Crane

Jean McCartin

Connie Pawlak

Arthur Skarmeas

David Thomson

Danvers School Committee

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