Princeton Community Middle School opened its doors for free grief counseling after two staff members died within 24 hours of each other last week.
Justin Randle, a paraprofessional and coach, died suddenly on Thursday, July 16. Carlee Bongiorno, 45, a STEM teacher who worked at the school through Great Oaks, died Wednesday, July 15. Superintendent Dr. Mari Phillips announced both losses in letters to the school community.
The district partnered with Talbert House and MindPeace to provide counseling Tuesday, July 21, through Thursday, July 23. Sessions took place in the middle school DEN. The counseling was open to Princeton staff, students, and other community members.
Honoring their memory
In her July 17 letter, Phillips described Randle's reach as extending far beyond the classroom. He "made students feel seen, valued, and capable of life success," she wrote, calling his mentorship a legacy that will remain with students for years.
"Justin was such a wonderful human being. I called him the 'Child Whisperer,'” said Dawn Gaylord-Stallard in a post on Facebook. "He was so amazing with children that needed so much love and caring. He and I did CPI together. He was able to do the holds and de-escalate- even with his eye sight being almost gone."
Bongiorno spent 19 years in education. She taught STEM classes at Princeton Community Middle School through Great Oaks and was known among colleagues for her love of music, particularly singing with her church. She lived in Hamilton, Ohio, and is survived by her husband Robert, children Arianna Bongiorno and Austin Consagra, granddaughter Avery Consagra, and her father Alexander Consagra.
"A terrible loss. She was an incredible teacher," said Steve Hiller on Facebook.
A memorial service for Bongiorno will be held Friday, August 14, at Hamilton Christian Center, 1940 Millville Ave., Hamilton. Visitation runs from noon to 1 p.m., with a service at 1 p.m. officiated by Pastor Curtus Moak.
Memorial arrangements for Randle have not yet been announced. The district said on July 17 that service details and an official obituary would be posted on the Princeton City Schools website when available.
How to get support
Talbert House already provides school-based mental health services at Princeton Middle School. MindPeace is a Cincinnati-area nonprofit that connects schools with behavioral health agencies. Families with questions can reach Talbert House at 513-653-2040.
