Articles by By Amanda Burke,The Berkshire Eagle

Technology

'Heartbroken' district offers counseling in wake Taconic High School student’s death

PITTSFIELD — Crisis counselors are on hand to provide support to Taconic High School students and staff in the wake of a student's death last weekend. "We are heartbroken by the recent loss of one of our students and extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all who are grieving," interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips said in a statement. Brodie Slonski, a 17-year-old senior at Taconic High School, was shot on Sunday in Pittsfield, and his death is being investigated as a homicide, according to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office. Slonski was found dead behind the wheel of a car after it crashed into a tree near Parker Avenue about 6:15 p.m., officials said. The shooting remains under investigation, and a spokesperson for the DA's Office said no arrests had been made as of Wednesday evening. "We know this loss deeply affects many in our schools and throughout the community," Phillips said. "Counselors and staff are available across all of our schools to provide care and resources for students and staff who may need additional support." In a message to the school community, Taconic High School Principal Matt Bishop said counseling and emotional support are being made available to help students and staff process the tragedy. “This loss deeply impacts our Taconic community," he said. "Our crisis response team is providing counseling and support for students and staff, and these services will continue to be available.” He said families should reach out if they need additional support. "We encourage families to talk with their children about this loss — your comfort and reassurance mean a great deal," Bishop said. "Keeping regular routines can also help provide stability during this difficult time." Slonski was a senior at Taconic, where he took part in the metal fabrication program, a field he aimed to pursue after graduation, family members told The Eagle. He enjoyed baseball and basketball when he was younger, and had played on the school's golf and bowling teams in past years. As a member of Taconic High School’s bowling team, he was among the students listed in an official recognition by Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti for winning the 2024 Massachusetts State Bowling High School Division II championship. More recently he was employed at Subway, where he was poised for a promotion to manager upon turning 18.