South Windsor Superintendent: Staff Will Be Availabe Monday for Students to Discuss Newtown Tragedy

School staff will be available to South Windsor students when they return to school on Monday morning to discuss the Newtown elementary school shootings that claimed the lives of at least 27 people, according to a school official.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kate Carter sent a message to the school community Friday afternoon in which she expressed her condolences as well as provided additional support and counseling for those who wanted it.

“As the news coverage unfolds throughout the weekend, your children will undoubtedly have questions and experience a wide range of emotions,” Dr. Carter wrote. “Please know that our staff, particularly counselors, school psychologists and social workers, will be ready to support our children as they return to school on Monday.”

Dr. Carter’s full message is listed below:

As you are likely aware, a horrific school shooting has occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. While law enforcement officials are not confirming details, news outlets are reporting that there are at least twenty-seven fatalities including eighteen children. As the news coverage unfolds throughout the weekend, your children will undoubtedly have questions and experience a wide range of emotions. Please know that our staff, particularly counselors, school psychologists and social workers, will be ready to support our children as they return to school on Monday.  Please be sure to contact your child’s teacher, counselor or principal, if your family is directly impacted by this senseless act of violence so that we can provide specialized support for those families who may have strong ties to the Newtown community. I know the entire South Windsor community will send its collective thoughts and prayers to the families of Newtown as they grieve over this unimaginable loss.  With deep sadness…Kate Carter, Superintendent of Schools