Flower City School No.

54
36 Otis Street
Rochester, New York 14606
Phone: 254-2080
Fax: 277-0105
Lessie Hamilton-Rose, Principal
David Grant, Assistant Principal
Lessie.Hamilton-Rose@RCSDK12.org

David.Grant@RCSDK12.org

Where students blossom to their fullest potential, expanding their horizons,

as they acquire the skills necessary for a lifetime of learning.

June 17, 2016

Dear Flower City School No. 54 Families,
It is with great sadness that I write to you today about a tragedy that is affecting our school
community. There was a terrible incident of violence across the street from our school this
morning. The father of two of our students (a fourth grade and a sixth grade student) died as
the result of a violent crime at their home shortly before arrival time.
Police immediately secured the area and determined that our school was not in danger.
However, we were in a lockout for about 45 minutes, and some children were held on buses
until they could enter the back of the school.
Our District safety and security team and the crisis counseling team were at our school to
support us today. I visited each classroom during the day to check on staff and students.
While we dont know many details about what occurred, this was an extremely traumatic event
for the two children, their family members, students who arrived at school in the midst of a
police investigation and all those in our school who are shaken by this event. If your children
appear worried or frightened, please reassure them that they are safe at school. You can also
call our school Social Worker at 254-2080 extension 1300 if your child needs additional support.
We are enclosing some tips for talking with children about trauma.
Violence in our community is troubling for all of us, especially when we see it so close to our
school. Please know that everything possible is being done to make sure that our school is safe
and that our students and staff have the support they need.
I know that the thoughts and prayers of our entire Flower City school community are with the
family. Please do not hesitate to call me with questions about your child or Flower City School
No. 54 at 254-2080.
Sincerely,

Mrs. Lessie Hamilton-Rose

Principal