We are saddened to share the news of the sudden and unexpected passing of a beloved member of our SPS family this past Friday, Mrs. Jennifer Jacobs. Mrs. Jacobs, age 41, was a longtime first grade teacher and assistant principal at the Dawe Elementary School and an Extended School Year (ESY) program coordinator. She has been a teacher in Stoughton since 2006, caring deeply about the success and wellbeing of all of her students.
As Dawe Principal Rob Cancellieri wrote in a message to Dawe families, “Mrs. Jacobs was the type of person who made connections with any person she came into contact with and had a passion for helping students find a love of learning in a playful way. When she would walk into a room, her positive and vibrant presence was contagious.” Our hearts and thoughts are with the Jacobs family, especially Jenn’s husband and two sons, her colleagues, the Dawe School community, and the ESY community at this unimaginably difficult time.
Experiencing, witnessing, or even hearing of a traumatic incident such as this may affect a child or adult in a variety of ways, and we want to be there for our SPS community in this time of need. There will be a community support session this Tuesday, July 18, 2023 from 1:45-3:15pm at the O’Donnell Middle School Learning Commons (211 Cushing St.). This air-conditioned space will be open to all students and families who need a safe and comforting place to process this news. Counselors will be available.
Additionally, the visitation hours/wake is scheduled for Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 2-6pm at Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington Street, Hanover, MA. The funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 9am at Holy Family Parish, 403 Union Street, Rockland, MA.
Please note that all summer enrichment programs are cancelled on Thursday, July 20 to allow staff and members of the community to attend the funeral service. School offices will be closed on Thursday as well. The District Office will remain open. The summer food service program will also be open on Thursday, with regularly scheduled breakfast and lunch service at both the Wilkins Elementary School and the O’Donnell Middle School.
Mrs. Jacobs was an incredible teacher, colleague, friend, mother, wife and someone who will be sorely missed. If you or someone you know is in need of more support, please reach out to your school.