Remembering Sandy Hook

Hello everyone,

Today I would like to take a few minutes to remember the teachers, principal, and students of Sandy Hook. What the adults did that day in that school was nothing less than what a hero would do. Even a year later, I still tear up when I think of it. Every morning, when I go into school I say my sandwich prayers and the Sandy Hook community is always included.

I remeber going into school the day after the shooting thinking of how I was going to handle my students' questions and concerns about being safe at school. To tell you the truth I had no idea what I was going to tell my little third graders. I decided I would only talk about it if it was brought up because I didn't know what their parents told them and what they didn't. The day went by though and no one asked. So I thought I was in the clear. The next day though one of my students raised her hand in Religion class and with a terrified look on her face asked, "What if Sandy Hook happened here?" I took a minute and thought to myself and I told them the truth. I told them that if it ever did happen the adults would do there very best to keep them safe. I also told them that if it did happen the person would have to get through me first. I would do everything and anything in my power to keep them safe, and I truly meant it. I reassured them that school is safe and that they are safe with me. After my talk, I looked around the room and I could see the fear in my students' eyes change to comfort. That was the hardest day I had in school. To this day I still show my students everyday that they are safe. I may not speak about it, but my actions say it. I want my students to feel safe and I want them to know that they are.

It is so hard to think about an elementary school or any school being attacked like that. My heart goes out to all the victims and I will never forget that day.

I also want to say my heart goes out to the students and teachers involved in the high school shooting in Colorado.

Laura