Stoughton Public Schools community mourning loss of beloved assistant school principal

STOUGHTON, Mass. — The Stoughton Public Schools community is mourning the loss of a beloved elementary school assistant principal and longtime teacher.

Jennifer Jacobs, 41, an Abington resident who worked as an assistant principal at the Dawe Elementary School in Stoughton, died unexpectedly on Friday, according to school officials and her obituary.

“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,” Stoughton Public Schools said in a statement on Monday.

Grief counselors will be made available during a community support session on Tuesday from 1:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the O’Donnell Middle School Learning Commons at 211 Cushing St. in Stoughton, school officials said.

“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,” school officials said in their statement.

The session will be held in an air-conditioned space and “will be open to all students and families who need a safe and comforting place to process this news. Counselors will be available,” officials said.

Jacobs began working for Stoughton schools in 2006 and she was a longtime first-grade teacher, according to school officials, who remembered her for “caring deeply about the success and wellbeing of all of her students.” She also worked as an Extended School Year program coordinator for the district.

“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,” Dawe Elementary School Principal Rob Cancellieri wrote in a message to the school community. “When she would walk into a room, her positive and vibrant presence was contagious.”

Born in Beverly, Jacobs married her college sweetheart and the couple had two sons, according to her obituary. She was an aspiring school administrator who was completing a post-graduate program in educational leadership at Bridgewater State University when she died.

“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,” school officials said.

On Thursday, school offices will be closed and the Stoughton district has cancelled all summer programs for the day to allow students and staff to attend Jacobs’ funeral, officials said. The district office will remain open on Thursday, as will the summer food service program, with 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,” school officials said. “If you or someone you know is in need of more support, please reach out to your school.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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