Letter from Chancellor Fariña on the Tragedy in the Bronx

Dear Students & Families,

We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our students today at the Urban Assembly School for Wildlife Conservation in the Bronx. The students and the families of those involved remain in our thoughts and prayers, and grief counselors will be on hand to assist students, families and staff in need.

Nothing is more important than the safety of students and staff and we are working with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to conduct a thorough investigation and provide additional School Safety Agents to the school.

We will continue working to ensure the safety of all school buildings. To do this, we rely on our safety protocols, our staff and our partnership with students, parents, families, and communities. We encourage you to report any concerns to a school safety officer, the principal's office, or any staff member. Additionally you may contact us at: 311 or report suspected bullying or harassment by emailing respectforall@schools.nyc.gov.

We also encourage you to review our emergency response procedures, available on our website.

Families may also register with Notify NYC to receive information about emergency events, and call 311 for additional information about a school during an emergency.

Today, we stand with the entire city as we mourn the loss of this young life, and we remain committed to ensuring every child is safe, every day. Please contact your school’s principal for additional guidance and support.

Sincerely,

Carmen Fariña
Chancellor