Sto-Rox School District offers counseling after student’s death
The Sto-Rox School District said Saturday it would make school counselors and social workers available from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Aug. 10, in the Junior/Senior High School cafeteria to help students, staff and families cope with the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy that occurred earlier this week.
District Superintendent Sonya Coleman announced the services as a way of supporting the local community, many members of whom are grieving the death of Alberto Montano. The seventh-grade student took his own life Tuesday.
In a message to the community posted on the district’s website, Coleman wrote that the district is deeply saddened by the loss of Montano and added that “our hearts are with Alberto Montano’s family, friends, classmates, teachers and all who knew and cared for him during this incredibly difficult time.”
“The loss of a child is heartbreaking, and this tragedy is being felt throughout our entire school community,” Coleman wrote. “We extend our deepest condolences to Alberto’s loved ones and ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy as they grieve.”
Montano’s family wanted to share the news of young Alberto’s death in the hopes that it would encourage others in the community – young and old – to reach out if they are having difficulty coping or if they are considering harming themselves.
The McKees Rocks Police Department, with the approval of and in collaboration with Alberto’s family, informed the community of Alberto’s passing on social media and the post has generated well over 100 responses. Other posts also have generated plenty of response ranging from messages of sympathy and prayers to the need to better educate the public on the topic of bullying.
Heather Johnston, Sto-Rox Upper Elementary principal, said in a statement that young Alberto will be remembered for “his remarkable intelligence, infectious sense of humor and the smile that could brighten any room. He approached each day with confidence, determination and a genuine desire to make his teachers proud.
“He often shared his dreams of working with computers and creating video games, and his passion for learning and innovation inspired those around him. His laughter and bright spirit left a lasting impression on our school community, and he will be deeply missed by his classmates, teachers and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
In addition to making school counselors and social workers available on Monday, Coleman said that grief counselors, psychologists and other crisis response professionals will be available to provide emotional support and resources to anyone who may be struggling with Alberto’s death from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the Junior/Senior High School Cafeteria.
In her message, Coleman encouraged families to “talk openly with their children, listen with compassion and reach out if additional support is needed.”
“We recognize that grief affects each person differently, and we are committed to ensuring that every member of our school community has access to the care and support they need.”
Coleman encouraged anyone who is experiencing emotional distress or concern about a loved one to seek support from a trusted adult, a mental health professional or other available resources.
“No one should face these challenges alone,” Coleman wrote.
In two related developments:
- The family announced that visitation will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Szal Funeral Home, 238 Helen St., in McKees Rocks.
- A GoFundMe page has been started to benefit Alberto’s mother, Elizabeth Salazar, who has other children, including a young daughter at home. The page, created by Natalie Pierce, has a goal of raising $3,000 to help Salazar cover everyday essentials, including bills and food, while she takes time away from work to be with her family. As of Saturday afternoon, more than two dozen people contributed a total of $2,060 to the cause.
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