To the Editor:

The Sandy Hook School PTA would like to take this opportunity to thank some of the many people who have helped support our school community during these most challenging months since December 14th.

We have done our best to thank every first responder who came to our rescue in December, but we realize we will never be able to adequately acknowledge them all. We will never forget all you did for us, not only on December 14th, but during the days and weeks that followed.      

Very special thanks also go to Donna Pagé, Cathy Mazzariello and Bruce Lazar for stepping up to lead us as our administrative team. Without hesitation, Donna and Cathy put their busy lives on hold to help us forge our path forward, while Bruce enabled us to navigate comfortably in our new home. Together, they made difficult decisions every day, working to balance what was best for 430+ students, their families, and an ever-growing staff that topped 100 by June. They will forever hold a very special place in our hearts.

Our First Selectman, Pat Llodra, has been at our sides from day one as a relentless advocate not only for our school community but for our town. She has been our rock in these very unstable times, always there to guide and lead us, and more importantly, to listen to us. Special thanks also go to each of the members of the Board of Education, Central Office, Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen, and Legislative Council who have dedicated innumerable hours and continue to work tirelessly to help us navigate these uncharted waters.  

We’d also like to acknowledge the countless community members from Sandy Hook, Newtown, Monroe, and towns near and far for their prayers, kind messages, and all their contributions of time, effort, and donations, from volunteers who spent their holiday week setting up classrooms to community members who baked meals and treats for our staff throughout the school year; from comfort dog teams to individuals and companies who donated supplies; from entertainers and organizations who visited and staged special events for our families to children who made snowflakes and sent drawings and letters. We are so thankful to all of you.

Last, but certainly not least, there are no words to describe the thanks we owe the SHS teachers and support staff. For the past seven months, day in and day out, they set aside their own healing and well-being in order to be there for our children, and we are eternally grateful to each and every one of them. Our children are stronger because of you. You are our heroes!

Unfortunately it is not possible to individually thank all who helped us.  Please know that we are immeasurably grateful to everyone from within our community and beyond. You have helped strengthen us and move us forward with your moving kindness and support.

Tracey Jaeger, President,

and members of Sandy Hook School PTA

375 Fan Hill Road, Monroe             July 25, 2013