When I was sitting and enjoying my fifteen minute lunch yesterday a news break popped up on our tv in the teacher's lounge. Another school shooting had happened...... Then the words Elementary School popped up and you could hear a collaborative gasp of horror in the room. I got news alerts on my phone and I was just horrified at the possibility that someone could take their rage out on little 5 and 6 year olds whose biggest worries in the world was how much longer til Santa brings me a present?
I sat at my kidney table as my students colored a Christmas craft and thought about all our intruder trainings and how sweet and innocent my 25 first graders are. My husband texted me and wanted to know if I had heard and gave me a few details that I didn't know. He said that teachers had used themselves as shields and that several didn't make it. I would have done the same thing. I am proud of those teachers that protected their students to the best of their abilities.
As a parent of a child in Kindergarten, I hugged my son to me the moment he walked into my classroom with his sweet smile. I sat and hugged both my boys close to me all night last night.
My prayers to those of Sandy Hook Elementary. Hug your kids and students a little tighter this holiday season and remember those who can't.
