Rincon Valley Middle School teacher dies

Corline “Corrie” Smith, a popular physical education teacher at Rincon Valley Middle School in Santa Rosa, died unexpectedly in her home.

The cause of her death was not immediately known, said Matt Marshall, school principal.

“It was totally unexpected and we’re all just stunned,” Marshall said.

Smith, 52, had joined a large group of eighth-grade students just Friday on a field trip to UC Davis, as eager, smiling and excited to participate as ever, Marshall said.

The school learned of her death Monday when she did not show up for school. Her mother told Marshall that family found her body that morning in her home, he said. Her family could not be reached for comment Monday.

Smith, who previously had worked at Cook Middle School, joined the faculty at Rincon Valley Middle School this year and immediately threw herself into the school’s activities.

“She just had a really warm personality and smile,” Marshall said. “She fit in really well over here.”

Smith was well-liked among students, and she was known around campus for her coordinating outfits.

“She always matched her tennis shoes to her top,” Marshall said. “So if she wore Raider gear one day, she had black tennies on.”

School staff was informed during an emergency meeting on Monday, and students were told during their final class of the day. The period was devoted to answering any questions students might have had, and counseling, if needed. The school’s two therapy dogs were on hand to help out, as were counselors.

Parents were notified Monday afternoon.

Nine more therapy dogs will be on hand this morning for students and ?faculty members if needed.

“It’s a lot to process for a 12-year-old,” Marshall said. “They all want to know what happened, and I don’t know. That’s the big question.”