Brookside Primary School community mourns the loss of ‘Mr. Mark’

November 27, 2024  |  By Lisa Scagliotti 

Mark Swahn at work at Brookside Primary. Photo by Gordon Miller

The Brookside Primary School community received sad news late last week. 

Longtime school staff member best known as the friendly morning and afternoon crossing guard Mark Swahn passed away on Nov. 21. 

School Co-Principals Chris Neville and Sarah Schoolcraft along with school counselors Ashley Bergeron and Kately Mosher sent a letter on Friday to staff and families sharing the news about the loss of the popular employee who students fondly referred to as “Mr. Mark.” 

“Mark dedicated his time and energy to our students, and his kindness, spirit, and commitment will be sorely missed,” they wrote. 

Crossett Brook Middle School teacher and parent Curtis Taylor helps youngsters add flowers to the utility pole memorial on Friday afternoon. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti

The letter lists resources for families and encourages parents to connect with school administrators and counselors for support for students in particular. 

On Friday afternoon after school dismissal, students with their parents had begun to create a small memorial on the utility pole at the corner of Stowe and High streets where Swahn faithfully crossed children twice each school day. They attached flowers and a few small stuffed toys to the pole with tape left hanging on a nail. 

Acknowledging that Swahn was well-known to many local children and their families, school leaders have offered to collect cards and messages to pass along to his family members. Swahn’s spouse Shelley also is a Brookside staff member. 

Community members can drop off cards at the school after the Thanksgiving break or mail to Brookside Primary School, 47 Stowe St., Waterbury, VT 05676. 

Waterbury Roundabout hopes to share an obituary and more details soon.