Kennedy Middle School Principal Jack Cawley, 64, Dies

WALTHAM, MA, — The principal of Kennedy Middle School died unexpectedly during school vacation week while he was on a trip with his son, according to the Superintendent of Waltham Schools.

"This is a difficult time for us as a community. It’s especially important right now that we remember to be kind and take care of each other," wrote Superintendent Drew Echelson in an email home to families.

The email did not outline how or why the beloved principal passed away. He was 64.

“Jack Cawley was a man of great integrity, honesty, and was deeply committed to Waltham and the Kennedy Middle School,” Echelson wrote in an emailed statement to the Patch. "Jack would want us to prepare students and the community for as strong of an opening as possible on Monday. As a result, we will try to deliver for him.”

Echelson said in a statement the school would be open Thursday and part of Friday to let staff and anyone else meet with grief counselors. School is back in session Monday, Feb. 26, following the break. Cawley was one of Waltham’s longest serving principals.

No further information about the cause of his death was immediately available from the district, but the email to families included talking points for them to have conversations with their children about "unexpected deaths."

From the email:

"Unexpected deaths can also raise the question “why?” for many students. There is usually not one clear answer to this question. It is the responsibility of everyone in our community to create an environment where asking for help is a sign of strength."

The Full email home:

Dear Families,
Reminder, Drop-in Grief Counseling for students, families, and community members has been scheduled for Friday, February 23, 2018. Counselors from Waltham Public Schools and Riverside Trauma Center will be available from 9 am - 12 noon in the KMS lobby and library.
On Monday, February 26, 2018, we will hold an extended homeroom to provide students a safe space with familiar personnel to continue to process Mr. Cawley’s passing.
Homeroom teachers will explain we all deal with loss differently. There is no “right way” to feel; each person has their own personal response to a death. Some of us deal with loss by holding on to routine and trying to keep a sense of normal. Some of us need to break from routine and need time to reflect and talk about our feelings. Some of us are emotional; some of us express our grief quietly or inwardly. All of these things are healthy responses to grief, and it’s important that we understand without judgment that different people will need different things right now.
Students will have the opportunity to record a favorite memory or funny story about Mr. Cawley during this time. These memories will be collected into a “memory book” to be shared with Mr. Cawley’s family.
Our guidance staff will be available as needed for the students during day and the library will be designated as quiet space for reflection as needed.
This is a difficult time for us as a community. It’s especially important right now that we remember to be kind and take care of each other.

Handouts and resources for grief counseling can be found on The Riverside Trauma Center’s website:
http://riversidetraumacenter.org/trauma-center-resources/

Talking Points in your conversation with adolescents might include:

When people die unexpectedly it often raises concerns for students about their own safety. Assure students that the school and other community officials are doing everything possible to insure student safety.

Unexpected deaths can also raise the question “why?” for many students. There is usually not one clear answer to this question. It is the responsibility of everyone in our community to create an environment where asking for help is a sign of strength.

People struggling with traumatic grief often feel hopeless and discouraged. Make sure we let people know that help and support are always available and there are many pathways to recovery.

We all share a responsibility to help and support each other. No one should suffer alone.

Read the full Waltham Tribune article here.

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Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch

Do you remember Jack? Send us your memories, Jenna.Fisher@patch.com