Tragedy struck the South Brunswick School District on July 2 after an early morning traffic accident claimed the life of Brooks Crossing Elementary School teacher Christin Smith.

   Ms. Smith, 27, of Monmouth Junction, was entering the southbound lanes of Route 130 from Renaissance Boulevard at approximately 2:15 a.m. when she drove her car into the side of a tractor-trailer that was traveling in the right-hand lane, according to North Brunswick police.

   Ms. Smith’s vehicle ran underneath the trailer, and she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Gina Braconi, of the North Brunswick police Traffic Safety Division.

   District officials were saddened by the loss of the popular fourth-grade teacher.

   ”She was exceptional, that’s the best word to describe her,” said Superintendent Gary McCartney. “She had a unique style with youngsters, and she knew how to connect with kids and how to motivate them.”

   Ms. Smith was a South Brunswick High School graduate, who was a district employee since 2005. She started as a paraprofessional and taught for the last three years, starting as a kindergarten teacher. Dr. McCartney said her style of teaching allowed her students to thrive.

   ”She was a high energy academic, and at the same time, she made every kid feel important,” he said. “She helped them learn in any and every way. She was a great teacher.”

   The district set up grief counseling services for students, parents and staff Monday at Brooks Crossing, even though school is not in session, to help people cope with the tragedy. The district also has posted a number of suggestions for parents to follow in order to help children handle the loss at www.sbschools.org.

   The district also has its School Based Youth Services Program representative Diana Salvador, a licensed child psychologist, available to help. She can be reached at 732-329-4044, ext. 3246.

   ”We want our students, staff and community members to come in and talk and be able to express themselves,” Dr. McCartney said.

   North Brunswick police have declined to release additional details as to what caused the crash, and the investigation is ongoing. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured in the crash, according to police.

   Anyone with information on the accident is urged to call North Brunswick police Officer Craig Patton at 732-247-0922, ext. 412.