Andrew Nicholas, a popular Wethersfield High School English teacher known for taking students around the world, died suddenly over the weekend.
Superintendent Michael Emmett said crisis teams were quickly assembled for students on Tuesday as teens returned for mid-term exams this week. Emmett said exams for Nicholas’ classes were canceled and students were given the option of staying home.
“As soon as we had word of this, we got together and made sure we had resources available for students,” he said. “I’ve been through this before with students and teachers and each response is different. It’s a sad day for us.”
Emmett said Nicholas was a 20-year veteran English teacher at the high school, coming to Wethersfield after spending five years in the Windsor Locks school system. He taught a variety of English and drama classes.
“He was a highly respected educator and one of those teachers that every student wanted to have for a teacher,” Emmett said. “He will be well-remembered out of the classroom, too, for his international trips with students.”
Emmett said Nicholas had recently received permission from the board of education for a trip to Greece in 2021.
Wethersfield High Principal Thomas Moore sent a message to students and staff Monday urging anyone who had questions or concerns to contact an administrator or counselor via email or call the counseling telephone number at 860-571-8267.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Nicholas’ family,” Moore said.
Community members commented on a Wethersfield Facebook page remembering Nicholas, describing him as “one of the most impactful teachers I ever had” and “… absolutely the best guy.”
“He was such a good man, wonderful teacher and a listening ear for some of my darkest times in high school,” read one post. “I remember spending time spitting my ideas about plays and writing songs just to get his thoughts, talking about the stuff I was going through … wow, Mr. Nick, I can’t believe it.”
Peter Marteka can be reached at pmarteka@courant.com.
