Teacher's weekend death a shock to Waterford High students, staff

Waterford - Faculty members and students at Waterford High School spent Monday mourning the loss of Christopher Johnson, a special education teacher who died Saturday, according to Principal Don Macrino.

Johnson, 46, of Groton, started working at the high school in 2000. The school shared a moment of silence at 8 a.m. Monday in Johnson's memory.

Civics teacher Brett Arnold, who worked as a swim coach with Johnson for two years, also said that students posted messages and other memorials at Johnson's desk throughout the day.

"It was a profound shock to the staff and student body," Macrino said. "You leave school for the weekend and you certainly don't expect to come back and find that one of your teachers - particularly a young teacher - has died."

Faculty members were notified of Johnson's death on Sunday through an automated calling system and met early Monday to discuss how to help students through the day.

A school psychologist, counselors and teachers were made available to students who needed support.

Arnold said when he first started teaching at Waterford, his classroom had an adjoining door that connected to Johnson's room. The two teachers had previously taught in Groton together and got to know each other more.

Then when Arnold was in need of an assistant swim coach, Johnson volunteered even though he didn't have any experience in the sport. He worked with athletes on physical training.

"He has always been a close friend. … He was always one of the first ones there for me," Arnold said Monday. "One word to describe him would be: loyal."

Macrino said Johnson was a teacher who was a great resource for students and faculty. He was a person who many students felt comfortable confiding in, the principal said.

"He was known among staff members as a kind and caring person," Macrino said. "He helped other staff when they were going through difficult times. On both sides of the desk, he was respected and appreciated."

Arnold said Johnson's students will remember his commitment.

"He worked for a group of kids who really appreciated his support," he said.

jeff.johnson@theday.com