Two Students Killed, A Community Reaching Out—Help Riverside

My name is Jake Halpern and I am president of the Wilbur Cross PTSA. Our sister school, Riverside High, has been hit hard by the loss of two students, and they’ve come to us for support. Please help by donating to this fundraiser—whether it’s to get students music therapy tools, help fund their yearbooks, or support other essential needs. Every little bit helps!

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As part of the Wilbur Cross community, we know how important it is to stick together, especially when a fellow school is going through tough times. Riverside High School, our sister school, is in need of our help right now, and they’ve reached out and asked our PTSA for help.

This year, Riverside has been rocked by tragedy. Two of their students were killed in shootings, just two weeks apart. It’s heartbreaking, and the entire Riverside community is grieving. The school’s principal, Derek Stephenson summed up the mood at the school by saying, “We are now left with a void that can never be filled.”

Now, in the midst of this grief, Riverside is asking us to help. And as the Wilbur Cross community, we’ve always supported each other. This is our chance to give back.

There are a few specific things Riverside needs right now—things we can all pitch in to help fund. One major request is for their music therapy program. Music has been a huge way for students to express themselves and heal from trauma. They’re asking for some essential equipment like a USB microphone, ukuleles, and a Fender amp—just $275 will help make this possible. These tools will give students a creative way to cope, connect, and share their emotions with others.

Riverside also needs help funding their yearbook project. Yearbooks are a big deal for students, not just as a keepsake but as a hands-on learning experience. But this year, they’re short on funds. They need $400 to cover the cost of 40 yearbooks. By chipping in, we’ll help keep this tradition alive, give students something to be proud of, and allow them to keep learning the business of publishing.

Another simple but meaningful request is for reusable water bottles. Riverside’s student council wants to provide every student with a water bottle to help reduce plastic waste and make it easier for students to stay hydrated. The cost for this is $275 for 96 bottles. A small investment that can go a long way in making students feel supported and creating a positive impact on their daily lives.

Lastly, Riverside has a parent engagement program called "Chat & Chew," where parents and teachers come together to support the school and students. This is a great initiative that’s been really successful, but they need $1,000 to continue hosting these gatherings. This is an opportunity for us to help build stronger connections and ensure that parents are involved in their children’s education.

So, what can you do? Donate. Every little bit adds up, and together, we can make a real difference in the lives of Riverside’s students during a really difficult time. Riverside has supported our community, and now it’s our turn to support them.

Thank you so much for being part of this effort. Let's show Riverside that we’re in this together!