I know that you are tired. I know that you are emotionally drained and don’t know if you have the energy to go on. I know that you are afraid of how you feel, how you don’t feel, how you might feel, and how others feel. We all do (including me), each in a unique way that, unfortunately, is hard to predict or anticipate. Each day will test us.

Envision the future that you wish to live in and take a small step each day to get there. We will help each other get there. On our way there, we need to look out for each other. Staff needs to look out for students. Students need to look out for students. Staff needs to look out for staff. Students need to look out for staff. (Thank you all for looking out for me!) Together we can do this.

Wear your Newtown gear tomorrow (a D-day)! I will be wearing mine.

Counseling staff will continue to be available for students, staff, and parents throughout the day. Support centers have been set up in the side gym (students), F-wing offices (teachers), and B141 (parents). Counselors will also be monitoring classrooms and common areas to provide additional support. (We love the counselors but I know you really want the dogs.)

Uniformed police officers will continue to patrol the interior of the building and a police cruiser will monitor traffic entering the campus. Media will not be allowed on campus.

Our collective strength and resilience will serve as an example to the rest of the world. Be strong, Newtown.