- Ann Arbor Public Schools
- Superintendent's Messages
February 14, 2019 - Loss of Pioneer Student
Dear Ann Arbor Staff, Families, and Community,
We have some very sad news today.
I am so sorry to share that Sasha Dumitrache, Pioneer 9th grade student, passed away suddenly yesterday.
Sasha first enrolled with AAPS as a kindergarten student at Angell Elementary and he attended Bryant/Pattengill for 1st through 5th grades. Sasha spent his middle school years at Tappan and has been attending Pioneer as a 9th grade student since last fall.
Sasha was on the Pioneer wrestling team, had compiled a winning record this season in his dual matches, and had a group of very close friends.
We have counselors and grief support teams in place to support students and staff at Pioneer, Tappan and Bryant/Pattengill as well as across our AAPS school campuses as is needed today, and our counselors will continue this work over the coming days so that our students and staff have ongoing support during this very difficult time.
We are all deeply saddened by the loss of Sasha. Please reach out and support each other. Remember that this hard news affects everyone differently. Sometimes it really hits hard even for students, parents and staff who did not know Sasha personally.
We have included guidelines below to assist you as you have conversations with your child or with students.
Let's all reach out to support each other; we will need to remain vigilant for all those who may be struggling across our community just now.
I know that we all join together in the Ann Arbor Public Schools community today to extend our thoughts of loving support and deepest sympathy to the family and friends, teachers and to all who knew and loved Sasha.
Sincerely,
Jeanice Swift