Upstate New York School District Mourns Loss of 'Beloved' Teacher Ahead of New School Year

As students in Upstate New York return to school, the Kingston community is grieving the sudden loss of a well-loved educator whose impact spanned decades.

The Kingston City School District is set to begin classes on Wednesday, September 3rd. Just days before the start of the academic year, Kingston High School shared devastating news about the passing of special education teacher Victoria “Vicky” Kallen, a respected and beloved member of their faculty.

In a heartfelt Facebook post on Friday, the school expressed its sorrow, writing:

"Ms. Kallen dedicated more than twenty years of service to the Kingston City School District and will be remembered for her unwavering compassion, dedication, and the positive impact she had on the lives of her students."

The message went on to note that grief resources would be available to help students and staff process the sudden loss:

"We recognize that this loss may be difficult for many in our school community. Our CISM (Crisis Intervention) team is available for both students and staff who may need assistance in processing their grief."

Tributes immediately poured in from colleagues, students, and families whose lives were touched by Kallen’s work and care. One colleague shared:

"She is one of the sweetest teachers and Co Worker. This is so heartbreaking. RIP Vicky. She was there for my son when he went threw hard times, even after he graduated she would ask me how he is doing and checking on him. I wish I had checked on her as much as she checked on him."

Another reflected on the years they worked side by side:

"Vicky was my work partner for years and I will miss her terribly. I am lucky to have had her by my side. She was so smart and had great insight to help her students. I told her she made me a better teacher. 💗 More importantly, I will miss our talks and laughter and seeing her face every day."

Former students and their families also remembered her encouragement and compassion. One tribute read:

"Rip ms Kallen u were an amazing teacher thank you for always pushing me to do my best."

Others highlighted her devotion to her students and community:

"She will definitely be missed. I worked with her for a short period of time and saw how much she loved her students. The loss will definitely be felt this school year. I will miss sharing stories of our community as we lived in the same one. RIP."

Another parent wrote:

"Ms. Kallen was one of my daughter’s favorite teachers during her time at KHS. My condolences to her family and the KHS community."

Upstate New York School District Mourns Loss of 'Beloved' Teacher Ahead of New School Year