Update for Tuesday 4/21 & Wednesday 4/22

Dear PCSD Families, Students, and Staff,

We are sending this communication in collaboration with the Parma Heights Police Department. We are devastated to share that the incident at Valley Forge High School has resulted in the loss of a student. Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, staff, and all who are impacted by this tragic loss.

Out of respect for this loss and to allow time for our community to process and grieve, Valley Forge High School and Normandy High School will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 and Wednesday, April 22, 2026. 

We encourage families to use this time to take care of yourselves and one another. Check in with your children, create space for conversation, and lean into the support of family and friends. Everyone processes grief differently, and it is important that our students feel supported in whatever way they need.

We are grateful for our strong collaboration with local law enforcement; our emergency safety protocols were implemented as designed. We sincerely thank our staff, students, and first responders from Parma and Parma Heights, as well as our partners at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), for their swift and coordinated response.

Please note the following supports and schedules for our high school students and staff: 

4/21/2026
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026 both high schools will be closed; however, our grief counselors and crisis support teams will be available for students, families, and staff at Normandy High School from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. To support access to these services, shuttle transportation will be available from Valley Forge High School at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. We will then transport them back to Valley Forge High School at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Students may access this transportation if needed or use their own transportation to go to Normandy to access counseling services. 

4/22/2026
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026 both high schools will remain closed, but we will have grief counselors and crisis support teams at Valley Forge High School in the Media Center. The building will be open for students who need access to counseling from 9:00 AM -1:00 PM

4/23/2026
On Thursday, April 23, 2026 school will resume and follow a typical schedule for ALL students at both Normandy and Valley Forge. At both high schools, testing will be moved to Friday for students taking US History and Government. Counselors will be on site at Valley Forge High School in the Media Center.

4/24/2026
On Friday, April 24, 2026 testing for US History and Government will take place from 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM in both high schools. Test takers are still required to remain in their testing rooms until the testing time is complete. Students will be dismissed from that testing session and there are no classes after testing on those days. Counselors will be on site at Valley Forge High School in the Media Center.

Families who would like assistance supporting their child may consider the following resources:

• Cleveland Clinic Grief & Bereavement Hotline: (844) 204-7433
• National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine: (800) 950-6264
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

Please know that we are here for you. We will continue to support our students, staff, and families in the days ahead and will share additional information as appropriate.

With care and sympathy,
Dr. Scott J. Hunt, Superintendent and Dr. Amy Cruse, Assistant Superintendent
Parma City School District