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Dear TJ Families:
With deep sadness I share with you the news that TJHSST
Assistant Principal Gary Grosicki died this past week following an extended
illness. Mr. Grosicki was a caring, thoughtful, and optimistic person
with a wonderful sense of humor. He was an amazing colleague and friend
who will be greatly missed.
Although he had been a part of the TJ family for only two
years, Mr. Grosicki was thoroughly devoted to the TJ community. Those who
knew Mr. Grosicki understood him to be a person of integrity and an innovator
whose dedication to students, staff, and our school was an inspiration to all
of us. A career-switcher, he taught science at Cooper Middle School and then
Woodson High School before joining our administrative team. Mr. Grosicki had a positive impact on so many
students and co-workers within FCPS. His love of teaching and learning
showed in the work he did each day.
A memorial service to celebrate Mr. Grosicki will be held on
Saturday, August 18, at the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home located on 9902
Braddock Road. The service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with military honors to
follow. At this time we do not have information
about donations, flowers or other tributes that may be arranged by the family.
The Grosicki
family extends heartfelt thanks to the many students and parents who have
offered support and condolences over the past months. It can be difficult
talking to children about the loss of a school staff member. The National
Association of School Psychologists has a website
with excellent resources. There are
local resources available, as well:
- Text NEEDHELP to 85511 for the Crisis Link Hotline or call
703-527-4077
- Merrifield Center Emergency: 703-573-5679
- Inova Emergency Services: 703-289-7560
- Dominion Hospital: 703-536-2000
- National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Support services will be available for students when they
return on August 28. In the interim, should you or your child need support, our TJ counselors can be reached via email any time or by calling or visiting the school next week.
Please feel free to stop by in person over the next couple weeks if there are any needs that arise with
you or your child regarding this news.
Thank you for your support and understanding. Our
thoughts are with Mr. Grosicki’s family and friends during this difficult
time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ann N. Bonitatibus
Principal
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