Schools
Bennie Dover Jackson Assistant Principal Roland Dunham Dies
During his 18 years with New London schools, Dunham's "caring and concern for students was unwavering. He will be greatly missed."
NEW LONDON, CT — Bennie Dover Jackson School Assistant Principal Roland Dunham has died, district officials announced Friday.
"It is with the deepest regret and sadness that I inform you about the loss of a long-standing administrator of New London Public Schools," New London schools superintendent Cynthia Ritchie said in a letter to the school community, noting officials were just told Friday morning.
Dunham was assistant principal at the Bennie Dover Jackson Multi-Magnet School campus.
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Ritchie noted that Dunham began his New London Public Schools career as an English teacher in 2002. In 2009, he was appointed as the Dean of Students at New London High School. Beginning in 2011, Dunham served as an assistant principal for Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School as well as an assistant principal on special assignment in support of several district initiatives.
"During his 18-year tenure with NLPS his caring and concern for students was unwavering. He will be greatly missed," Ritchie wrote.
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"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Dunham. This news is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for the entire community of the City of New London, especially the staff and students of the school district," Ritchie wrote.
The district has both district-level and school-level crisis intervention teams made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, and school personnel at difficult times such as this, she said. And counselors are available at all schools for any students or staff members "who may need support surrounding this loss."
Ritchie told parents that if they, "feel that your children are having difficulty, we encourage you to discuss their thoughts and feelings with them. This will help them to work through their grief or concerns."
Dear New London Public Schools Community, It is with the deepest regret and sadness that we inform you about the loss...
Posted by New London Public Schools on Friday, November 6, 2020
Ritchie included information on how to help students and staff cope with the loss.
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