East Haddam Students Return to School Under Watchful Eyes

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Friday’s unspeakable tragic events have shaken us all and I am sure that many of you, like me, are struggling to come to terms with this senseless act of violence.

Following the events in Newtown, I want you to know that we have administrators, counselors, social workers and psychologists in each of our schools who will be available to students who feel the need, or the desire, to talk individually or in a small group about the events in Newtown. While we will not be overtly addressing Friday’s events, we are prepared to respond to questions or to discuss the topic should students bring it up in class. We will respond honestly, and sincerely, and whenever possible, briefly.

Our goal is to ensure that all of our students feel safe and secure as they return to school. We want the structure, the pacing and the tone of the day to be normal in all respects. We also want our students to know however, that we are all deeply saddened by the tragedy in Newtown, that it is normal and acceptable to be so, and that it is OK to have questions or to want to discuss what they may be feeling.

Please do not hesitate to contact your school if you feel that you or your child requires greater or more specific support. Please be assured that the safety and wellbeing of your children remains our first and greatest priority.

Sincerely,

Mary Beth Iacobelli

Interim Superintendent of Schools