A rising senior at West Hartford’s Hall High School passed away on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.

By Ronni Newton

A student from West Hartford’s Hall High School passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Aug. 9, and the district announced that a crisis response team will be available at the school from Sunday. Aug. 11 through Wednesday Aug. 14.

Lukas Schreiber, an honor student who also swam and played lacrosse, was entering his senior year at Hall.

“The loss of a child is unimaginable, and our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the Schreiber family, their friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Superintendent Paul Vicinus said. He said he is devastated for family and friends as they deal with this incomprehensible loss.

A letter was sent to the Hall community on Saturday from the administration, offering condolences and sympathy, and providing details about support services that are being made available.

“As parents, we cannot begin to understand the immense pain the family is going through, and we know that you and our entire community share in this sadness and loss. Since receiving the news, we have initiated a crisis team response,” the letter to the Hall community states.

Clinicians from The Bridge Family Center clinicians will be available at Hall on the following dates and times:

• Sunday, Aug. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Monday, Aug. 12 through Wednesday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The clinicians will “provide support, comfort and reassurance to our students and staff as we cope with this tremendous loss and grief as a community,” the notice states. Clinicians will also be available at Hall when the school year begins for those who are seeking help or assistance in coping with this loss.

“In the days and weeks ahead, students may have questions and concerns relating to death or may struggle with coping with a loss,” the letter from the administration states. Below are links to some information that families may find useful, and those who would like additional information or are in need of assistance should not hesitate to contact Hall High School at 860-232-4561.

• Helping Children Cope with Loss (English and Spanish)
• Addressing Grief -National Association of School Psychologists

“As we come together to remember and honor Lukas, let us support one another with compassion and understanding. Hall’s strength lies in our collective care and support during times of difficulty,” the administration said.

Anyone who has thoughts of harming themselves, or seeks access to free and confidential mental health support, can call Connecticut’s 2-1-1 hotline or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-8255 (en Español: 888-628-9454; deaf and hard of hearing dial 711 and then 988) or visit 988Lifeline.org. People in need can also text the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

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