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AG students dismissed early Tuesday, following teacher’s unexpected death

By Mark Hofmann mhofmann@heraldstandard.Com 2 min read

Students in the Albert Gallatin Area School District were dismissed early on Tuesday, following the unexpected death of an elementary school teacher.

Toby Maykuth, a kindergarten teacher at Smithfield Elementary, was the director of the district’s musical and drama department, according to a letter to parents posted on the AGASD Facebook page.

Classes have been canceled for Smithfield Elementary students on Wednesday, but all of the district’s other schools will operate on a normal schedule.

“Shortly after I was informed of his passing (Tuesday morning), many teachers and students had found out, and we felt best that we get our counselors available for kids at all schools, setting up grief counseling for the rest of the week,” Superintendent Christopher Pegg said of Tuesday’s early dismissal.

Pegg said Maykuth was well-known among students because of his involvement in musicals and other theater productions in the district.

“As always, our priorities are the students and our Colonial family here, to make sure (the students) have all the help and support they need,” he said, noting Maykuth’s death did not occur at the elementary school.

Counselors, social workers and therapists will be available at all of the district’s schools for the remainder of the school year to speak with students.

Pegg asked parents who are concerned about their child’s well-being to call their building principal or school counselor.

“On behalf of Smithfield Elementary and the entire Albert Gallatin Area School District community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Toby Maykuth on this sad occasion. We will continue to inform you of the school’s steps in supporting our students and their families,” Pegg wrote in the letter to parents. “Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.”

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