Mama Says

A Mother Reflects On The Tragedy At Sandy Hook Elementary

Tears, fears and too few answers

Like every other parent in the country -- or maybe even the world -- I've spent the last week reevaluating. Crying. Praying. Holding my children close. Breathing them in. Thanking God that they are still here with me. In moments when I am alone, I find myself with unbidden tears streaming down my face. I don't even realize they are there until they start dripping onto my shirt and then I remember. I can't stop thinking about it. Even when I don't think that I'm thinking about it, it's still there, niggling away at my subconscious. Those names. Those faces. Those ages. The same age as my sweet Josie. I ache for those mommies and daddies. Those brothers and sisters and grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles and cousins and friends. I …

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Laurel School Responds to Newtown Tragedy

Head of School Ann V. Klotz sent a letter to parents assuring them that the school is a safe place for their children to learn

Like most schools in the area, Laurel issued a letter to parents over the weekend in response to the shootings in Newtown, Conn. Laurel's Head of School Ann V. Klotz wrote a memo that discusses the school's safety procedures and reassures families about the availability of in-house psychologist Dr. Ilissa Pearlman and consulting psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour. Here's an excerpt from the letter: As always, the safety and well-being of our students is our primary concern. I know you look to us to keep your children safe. Sadly, we cannot take safety for granted. Experts remind us that the best way to stay safe is to be safe, and in light of these recent events, we want to remind you of the procedures we have carefully developed:  1.  We have a…

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Shaker Heights Schools: District Has 'Comprehensive Crisis Plans' in Place

The local school district writes a memo to parents following the tragedy in Newtown, Conn.

In the aftermath of the tragic elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn., Shaker Heights Schools officials want to assure parents that the district has a crisis plan in place. According to a memo posted this afternoon on the district's website, the district developed crisis plans in conjunction with the city's police and fire departments. "These plans are reviewed and updated on a regular basis," the memo reads. "We hope that we never need to use these procedures in a real-life crisis, but if a situation arises, we will be as well prepared as possible." Here is more from Shaker's memo to parents: Our hearts go out to the students, families, and staff members of Newtown, Connecticut, in the wake of the shootings at an elementary school …

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