Hello,
No students asked me about the events in Connecticut. It was not addressed. We went on with our regular business. Snow was the main topic of the day: Where can we go without snowpants? Do you think they should have cancelled school today? Did you hear how loud the snowplows were last night?
Our school staff held a meeting this morning. Our school counselor let us know that extra counseling services would be available in the coming weeks, for staff and students. She anticipated that these events were affecting us a lot more than our children. I'd say she was right about that, based on what I saw today.
I've been running a lot of the "What if..." scenarios in my head. Here is my opinion: No amount of security can stop a determined maniac. I don't want to live in fear. I don't want to see our front doors locked again. I didn't like it when it was a rarity to see a parent in the halls. A school needs to be safe, warm and welcoming. On opening day, HBS only felt safe. We have been making headway on the warm and welcoming. I don't want to go back to sliding lunches through the window box into the office. I totally understand anyone wanting to go back to the locked doors, but I don't agree.
I went to see some of the rec basketball games on Saturday morning. After the news of Friday, I just wanted to go see "my" kids. That probably sounds ridiculous to some of you, but I can assure you that it doesn't take long for most teachers to feel that way about their students. I don't have kids of my own. My classroom students are my kids. With that in mind, it doesn't surprise me in the least that the teachers in Connecticut acted as heroically as they did.
I hope that you have all taken a look at the message from the Superintendent. It went home with all students this afternoon. It is also on the school website. Attached to his message was a note on recommendations for talking with your children about the incident. Please contact me with any comments or questions.
Have a good night.
Mr. Shea
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