Dear Parents of Middle School Students,
We wanted to let you know that Stephen, Middle School humanities teacher and Model UN coach, has been diagnosed with a recurrence of a brain tumor and learned this past Monday that he will be undergoing surgery next Tuesday. As many of you know, Stephen was diagnosed with a brain tumor two and a half years ago. That tumor was found to be low grade. Stephen made a swift recovery after that surgery and has been in terrific health the last two years. He was surprised to learn this summer that he had a recurrent, slow-growing tumor. The decision was made to remove it early and make sure it is still low grade. Stephen could not have better care. Dr. Mitch Berger at UCSF is considered among the very best neurosurgeons in the nation.
This surgical date is four to six weeks sooner than Stephen expected and is based not on a sense of urgency but rather on his neurosurgeon’s schedule. His neurosurgeon will be out of town for large parts of October and November.
We are putting everything in place as quickly as possible -- contacting experienced former Nueva teachers to sub -- as we begin a search for a long-term (two months) sub. Often our best recommendations come from our parents. If you know of a terrific history or English teacher, please let me know.
Stephen shared his news with your children this morning. (Today is his last day. Tests and preparation begin tomorrow.) His announcement was brief, positive in tone, optimistic, which is how he feels, and forward looking. He hopes to be in touch with students after his short hospital stay.
Stephen is a lesson in resiliency. But we know as educators and parents that, for some students, this news may trigger fears about a family member or their pet. If that is so, Janice Toben, SEL coordinator, has suggested some guidelines for talking with children about an adult’s illness. Our teachers will follow these basic guidelines and we hope you will do the same. These include: calmly explain the facts; respect the understandable emotions of concern and compassion; notice if this is bringing up any issues or concerns that students may be connecting to family illnesses; remain positive and do not overly dwell on worry or speculation. Teachers will be guided by our team and the school counselor, Jessica Nenner. If you would like to discuss any of these guidelines or your concerns about what this might trigger in your child, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our SEL teachers or Jessica.
During advisory next week, students will be given time to create unique, creative cards, videos, or assorted art to send to Stephen. Last time, students made 1000 cranes, which Stephen still has in his home. We will also set up a blog where students can post their comments to Stephen. We’ll work closely with his faculty liaison, Liza Raynal, and our wonderful parent organization, Helping Hands, to provide support for Stephen and his family.
Let me close with a note from Stephen to each of you.
We wanted to let you know that Stephen, Middle School humanities teacher and Model UN coach, has been diagnosed with a recurrence of a brain tumor and learned this past Monday that he will be undergoing surgery next Tuesday. As many of you know, Stephen was diagnosed with a brain tumor two and a half years ago. That tumor was found to be low grade. Stephen made a swift recovery after that surgery and has been in terrific health the last two years. He was surprised to learn this summer that he had a recurrent, slow-growing tumor. The decision was made to remove it early and make sure it is still low grade. Stephen could not have better care. Dr. Mitch Berger at UCSF is considered among the very best neurosurgeons in the nation.
This surgical date is four to six weeks sooner than Stephen expected and is based not on a sense of urgency but rather on his neurosurgeon’s schedule. His neurosurgeon will be out of town for large parts of October and November.
We are putting everything in place as quickly as possible -- contacting experienced former Nueva teachers to sub -- as we begin a search for a long-term (two months) sub. Often our best recommendations come from our parents. If you know of a terrific history or English teacher, please let me know.
Stephen shared his news with your children this morning. (Today is his last day. Tests and preparation begin tomorrow.) His announcement was brief, positive in tone, optimistic, which is how he feels, and forward looking. He hopes to be in touch with students after his short hospital stay.
Stephen is a lesson in resiliency. But we know as educators and parents that, for some students, this news may trigger fears about a family member or their pet. If that is so, Janice Toben, SEL coordinator, has suggested some guidelines for talking with children about an adult’s illness. Our teachers will follow these basic guidelines and we hope you will do the same. These include: calmly explain the facts; respect the understandable emotions of concern and compassion; notice if this is bringing up any issues or concerns that students may be connecting to family illnesses; remain positive and do not overly dwell on worry or speculation. Teachers will be guided by our team and the school counselor, Jessica Nenner. If you would like to discuss any of these guidelines or your concerns about what this might trigger in your child, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our SEL teachers or Jessica.
During advisory next week, students will be given time to create unique, creative cards, videos, or assorted art to send to Stephen. Last time, students made 1000 cranes, which Stephen still has in his home. We will also set up a blog where students can post their comments to Stephen. We’ll work closely with his faculty liaison, Liza Raynal, and our wonderful parent organization, Helping Hands, to provide support for Stephen and his family.
Let me close with a note from Stephen to each of you.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with your children even for these few short weeks and can't wait to be back at Nueva at the beginning of January. I have tremendous optimism about my prognosis, and I'm thrilled to have the top neurosurgeon at UCSF in my corner. (His last words to me: "We will fix this.") And how cool to be able to walk across Golden Gate Park, past the Conservatory of Flowers and through the Children's Playground, to my own brain surgery! Until my return, at least after I am off painkillers, I look forward to keeping in touch and following your children's progress from a small distance away."
Best,
Diane
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