Update, noon Monday, Aug. 20:
President Tani Lindquist commented on the unexpected passing of P.E. teacher Jesse Jaramillo yesterday by phone. Here's the heartfelt and emotional message in full:
"I'm just devastated about the news about Jesse. He was one of the few PE teachers on the Island and he was a good friend. I would say that the Island Park staff and everyone who has worked with hims are just in shock, and just devastated by the news.
He offered the () district a lot. He's the one who brought dance education to our district. He helped mentor me in learning how to teach kids dance, and was just really active and fun. He snowboarded, as well as dancing, and was a prankster and had a fun sense of humor. He was a really great educator and a great person to be around. It certainly is a loss to the Mercer Island education community and, um, just a loss to all of his friends, too."
He'll definitely be missed."
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Original Story: Popular Island Park Elementary P.E. teacher Jesse Jaramillo died Friday, two days after suffering an apparent heart attack.
In a letter to staff and parents, Principal David Hoffman called the loss "tragic."
Hoffman wrote:
Dear Island Park Community,
It saddens me deeply to inform you of the passing of Island Park's beloved P.E. teacher, Jesse Jaramillo.
I was informed that Jesse suffered from coronary arrest on Wednesday and passed away Friday afternoon. I can only imagine the incredible shock and immense grief that those who knew and loved Jesse must be feeling upon receiving this tragic news.
I know I speak on behalf of our entire learning community when I say that we have lost a beloved, talented, kind, and kid-centered teacher, colleague and friend.
From all I have been told, Jesse was a gem of a person who was completely devoted to his work with children. I know we will reach out to each other for solace and strength. There will be many opportunities for remembering and honoring Jesse.
I am working with district personnel to have counseling services available, if needed. In the next few days, our school web site will provide information regarding opportunities to honor Jessie and links to sites that share information about how to grieve with children. I am confident that, together, we will gently navigate the proper course that both honors Jessie's memory and ushers in a new school year filled with hope and promise.
Our children need that, and Jesse would want no less. I apologize for the impersonal nature of this notification, but wanted to make sure that you were notified in a timely and respectful fashion.
My thoughts are with the entire Island Park learning community and know that all of our thoughts and prayers are being directed towards Jesse's wife, family and friends.
Respectfully, David Hoffman
Principal, Island Park Elementary
