It was a difficult day for the North Branford public school community as members coped with the passing of former North Branford Intermediate School (NBIS) principal Alan Davis. On October 25, Davis, a North Branford native, passed away following a battle with cancer.

Superintendent of Schools Scott Schoonmaker was at NBIS on October 26 during a day dedicated to supporting one another, remembering Davis and honoring his remarkable example.

"There was an incredible amount of support within the district," said Schoonmaker. "It was overwhelming to see the amount of support and love toward Mr. Davis."

Students' families were notified by the district of Davis' passing in advance of the school day.

"We let the parents know last evening," said Schoonmaker. "This morning, every student was read the same statement during homeroom, and we had all of our support services in place throughout the building to assist teachers and students."

In addition to district counseling and psychology professionals available for all students and staff at all North Branford Public Schools (NBPS) on October 26, NBIS also received a visit from a therapy dog, on loan from Connecticut Hospice.

"All of the students and staff were able to spend time with the therapeutic dog. It was something to see the ability for the students to share their emotions," said Schoonmaker, adding NBIS students also had breakout sessions where they were able to write cards, notes and letters to help them remember their principal. 

School and district-wide support for Davis began in earnest in April 2017, after he left his post at NBIS on a leave of absence. Students and staff rallied around him with a message to "Stay Strong" in the ensuing weeks and months.  Fundraisers and events in the district and at NBIS were dedicated to helping the Davis family as well as to show continued support and lift Davis' spirits.

The district began the 2017-18 school year by extending heartfelt thanks, prayers and best wishes to Davis as he formally retired from his role at NBIS, following 43 years of dedicated service not only as an administrator but also as a math teacher with NPBS. The district also set in motion plans to create "Davis Way" within the NBIS building entry as a tribute.

"District-wide, all of the buildings were notified and aware of our plan. Keith O'Rourke, our interim principal, did a fantastic job in organizing this for the school," said Schoonmaker. "As you enter, there are two beautiful planters made by high school students, and beautiful flower arrangements and signs at each entrance that say Davis Way. In the building, we're going to place a bronzed plaque with an engraved picture and tribute to Alan Davis, his career, and what he meant to the community."

The plaque will be delivered and dedicated within the coming weeks. But perhaps most importantly, a rendering of the plaque was shared with Davis, together with news of the district's plans to install Davis Way at his school building.

"We able to bring a duplicate vinyl copy of the plaque to Alan about a week ago, and explained everything to him, and he saw what we were doing. He was absolutely speechless; beyond words," said Schoonmaker. "Alan was such a humble man. It was nice to be able to share with him how many thousands of people he impacted over his 43 years in our schools. It's just been an emotional time for everyone."

The plaque's tribute message will become part of the NBIS school climate plan acronym, PRIDE, said Schoonmaker.

"The D is going to be part of the Davis Way," said Schoonmaker. "It was how he lived his life, what he believed in, what was important -- his character and integrity. It made you want to reflect on your life and improve it."

During his years with the school district, Davis founded the North Branford Community Food Drive, now in its 28th year and set to take place this Saturday, Oct. 28. The annual drive is powered by students from NBIS and North Branford High School, as well as teachers, community members and volunteers from North Branford Public Works.  In honor of Davis, community members are being encouraged to make a special effort to support the drive this year.

Residents can support the 28th Annual North Branford Community Food Drive by leaving non-perishable food at their mailboxes between 9 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. on Sat. Oct. 28 for students to collect. Monetary contributions also welcome; send check payable to North Branford Food Drive/NBIS, mailed to NBIS, 654 Foxon Road North Branford, CT 06471 Attention: Keith O'Rourke, Interim Principal. All contributions benefit local food banks.