Letter to the Editor - December 21 2012

Gilbert community responds to massacre

It is difficult for all of us to understand the horrific scene that is literally within a very short drive of our community.

There are no words to comprehend, no true measure of understanding that we can ever find comfort in, yet somehow we must try as a community to cope with our own struggles and to be there for our students at The Gilbert School. No longer can we say this happened elsewhere in another country or time zone and for that our innocence is forever lost.

There is no direct action plan to put into place stating how we should handle this, yet children of all ages look to adults for comfort and guidance and that is exactly what we will do in the upcoming days.

On Friday once we knew the details we gathered the student body, had a moment of silence and spoke to them — not only giving them a brief understanding of what happened but reminding them to always remember to love each other, to love family and to not hang onto pettiness, anger or bitterness. We reiterated to everyone that words should empower not destroy and that each of us need to be there when others are in trouble.

The students then went into their advisory rooms where the teachers did a remarkable job of allowing students to talk, to be quiet, to think of ways to help and to reflect in their own way. Other students talked to counselors and many found solace in each other. It was truly a community coming together.

I have been touched by the response of students who have called and emailed asking what we can do as a school and with the outpouring of support from faculty and staff who want to do whatever is necessary and appropriate.

I am sure we all agree that it is difficult to express the myriad of emotions that have gone through us, yet I do know that from the darkness comes light when people join and hoist a candle together. Somehow we will mourn those lost and grow from this in some way.

I can assure you that we are looking at our crisis plan and lock down drills and will be reviewing them to assure that TGS is as safe as can be.

In talking with your children I have included at the very end of this, if you are struggling with what to say, a number of links that have been sent to me from the state crisis teams. If your student is struggling please feel free to call either their counselor (Mrs. Fiducia, Mrs. Shlatz, Mr. Czaja or Ms. Schumacher), the social worker (Mrs. McDougall), school psychologist (Ms. Gerard), assistant principals (Mrs. Sojka or Mrs. Verrastro) or myself and we will immediately sit down and find the appropriate means of comfort. Our incredibly caring faculty and staff are willing to do whatever you feel your child needs. Please do not hesitate to call us at anytime as together we will get through this.

In peace and thoughts for all of those affected.

Alan J.Strauss, Principal
The Gilbert School
Winsted