Middlesex School Art Teacher Rosemary Cellini Passes Away [UPDATE]

Editor's update note: A message from Middlesex Middle School Principal Debi Boccanfuso, which was sent at 6:25 p.m. Monday to parents, is now pubished at the bottom of this article.

Original article:

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great sadness that I must report the passing of Rosemary Cellini, a passionate and caring art teacher who worked at Middlesex Middle School since 2003. Rosemary passed this afternoon at Stamford Hospital. 

Rosemary was a talented educator and was recognized as the Connecticut Art Educators Association Outstanding Middle Level Art Teacher in 2011.  She was the advisor to the Odyssey of the Mind team at MMS and was a state presenter in the area of assessment of the fine arts. 

Rosemary’s passing is a tremendous loss to the student and staff at MMS as well as the entire district. Your support and concern for our colleague and her family are deeply appreciated. 

I know that you will keep her in your thoughts and prayers.  I will forward any information regarding arrangements when they become available.

Regards,

Steve Falcone

Update 2:56 p.m.:

Dear Middlesex Parents and Friends,   It is with great sadness that I must report the passing of Rosemary Cellini, a passionate and caring art teacher who worked at Middlesex Middle School since 2003.  Rosemary passed unexpectedly this afternoon at Stamford Hospital. 

Please keep Rosemary and her family in your thoughts and prayers.   We will recognize Ms. Cellini's passing tomorrow morning with a moment of silence. To assist the students and staff in  handling this loss, a special crisis intervention team is serving the school.

An increased level of individual and group counseling services has been made available. We will continue to provide these services as long as they are needed.

You may contact the school directly, preferably through your child's counselor, to request these services for your son/daughter, if you feel they are needed.   Your child may have questions as well as a special need at this time for your comfort and support.

Your being available to listen to them is important. This is a very difficult time for all of us and we appreciate your understanding and thoughtfulness.  

Dr. Debi Boccanfuso