When someone says, "How are your kids?" I tend to say, "Which ones?" Meaning my kids I gave birth to or my kids in my class. I am sure I am not the only teacher who feels this way. They are our kids. And no matter what they take us through, just like our kids, we want to keep them safe. We want them in an environment where they, and their loved ones, know they are loved and cared for. But he took that away from them yesterday. Just as others have done before.
It's obvious from reading the articles each time this happens, that teachers are Mama and Papa bears when it comes to protecting their students. The school took the proper precautions to keep the school safe, no one can blame the school. I hope no one does. How do we protect our students from a gun? How do we protect our students from a crazy with a thirst for his or her perceived vengeance? How do we stop the senselessness of it all?
I continued through the day with a heavy heart. I did not discuss what had happened with my students, I know Morning Meeting will be filled with questions. I know my students will wonder if I can keep them safe. They will wonder if it can happen here, at our school. What do I tell them?
I cried for Connecticut. For the children and adults who had their lives stolen. For the parents and loved ones who have lost their child. For the survivors, who will be traumatized for a very long time. My prayers and my thoughts are with them. We have to find a way to keep our kids safe. To make school a place they can go, and you know they will come back.
I cry with you.. for with each act like this, some freedom and abandon in learning is chipped away. I am a retired teacher and for me my students were "my kids" as well.
ReplyDeleteWe must protect our schools.. but we must also protect all that a school represents... learning, exploration, community, free thought, the passing of the torch to the new generation. Let us have the wisdom to do both
When I think of the brave teachers of Newtown, I cannot help but be proud to be part of a profession that, after being reviled and attacked, still has such people in it. Teacher instincts are unstoppable. Heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteI cried off and on all day and night. Your statements well said and the questions you raise are important. They echo my own.
ReplyDeleteHug your kids on Monday and God bless you as you answer those questions during your morning meeting.
Wynn
My heart is just breaking for those little angels, and teachers whose lives were cut so short, by a madman,the world really is morning for all of them, I pray to God they will not be forgot quickly and someone will step up and do something once and for all to stop this madness, also the families we have to pray for them as well they must be suffering so badly, and for the ones that survived, may they all R I P
ReplyDeleteMy prayers go out out to all the families that lost a love one. As a parent of two sons, I can't even begin to imagine the pain of losing a child. Trying to be a part of the solution to make the schools safe, I would suggest that ALL classroom doors remain lock while school is in progess. I'm not saying this will solve the problem however, maybe this will buy some time to protect the kids and staff. I'm deeply sorry for all the lost!
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