I normally don't write about tragedy and loss because I know how much it HURTS and it makes me sad, but with the recent tragedy that literally rocked our world and with holidays fast-approaching, it seem harder to celebrate knowing that there are 26 families out there who are hurting and grieving in Connecticut right now. The same tragedy that unfortunately sent a wave of FEAR and big changes like a domino effect in schools all across the country, if not the world.
The Domino Effect in my daughter's school:
As a parent, some of these changes may not totally make sense but here are some of them.
- Parents are no longer allowed to walk their children to their classrooms in the morning in the main building. I'm still trying to understand the reason behind this logic. Not totally sure why we suddenly are not allowed to. It poses more questions than answers. Also, I also wonder about how children are dropped off at the trailer rooms where my daughter roomed last year. More questions.
- Entry to the school during drop-off times for walkers in the morning are now centralized in the front entrance. The usual entry on side doors are now locked.
- All doors except for the front entrance are also now LOCKED at all times. What if there was an emergency at the trailer rooms located farther away at the back and need to get inside the main building real quick? The thought scares me.
- A lockdown training was implemented on the first day of school after tragedy occurred. Why do we wait until tragedies such as these occurs?
The Domino Effect across the country:
- Bulletproof Backpack sales went up 500%. And these backpacks aren't cheap either! They range from $200-$300!
- A Bill in Virginia is being passed requiring teachers to carry guns!
- Despicable scammers took this tragedy to make money out off of.
- The whole world comes together to lend a helping hand and show their love.
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| 18 of the 26 victims of the tragedy - photo courtesy of abcnews |
Domino Effect within YOU:
What you can do to reach out to the victims of this tragedy.
- Send Paper Snowflakes to welcome students back into their new building by January 12, 2013.
Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway
Building 12, Suite 103
Handen CT 06514
- Send written condolence to the victims' families. Their post office has set up a dedicated post box address just for this.
Families of Newton
P.O. Box 3700
Newton, CT 06470
- Send a Teddy Bear. Operation Prayer Bear is collecting teddy bears to distribute to children in the Newton area.
Check PrayerBear.org for more information
What changes were implemented in your school and how do you feel about it?
Do this:
This Christmas, no matter how we feel about this tragedy and how we feel about the changes implemented in our schools and the system, even though they are of differing and opposing opinions, I urge you to say a prayer or light a candle for these families who will be hurting a lot during this supposedly joyous season.
Join us as we light 26 candles for the victims and their families this Christmas. Help us spread the word with #26candles on twitter and facebook.
0 ZENSIBLE OPINIONS:
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