Vinton-Shellsburg educators began their week by receiving a message from their boss telling them that perhaps today, there may need students in their classrooms who need an extra hug or pat on the back.

Monday morning seemed mostly normal at Vinton-Shellsburg schools. More parents than last week dropped off their children at Tilford Elementary – but that was more likely a result in the colder weather than the news from the Sandy Hook elementary school in Connecticut, where a man shot 20 students and six teachers to death on Friday.

VS Middle School Principal Shelly Petersen said students said nothing about the horrific news from New England as they entered the building. She then read the morning announcements, which only included the lunch menu, a notice about a Viking club meeting, and an invitation to sign up for the spring play, a humorous adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.

VS Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock discussed school safety and related issues in an e-mail she sent to staff members over the weekend, and shared with Vinton Today.

“The events last week demonstrated that Sandy Hook Elementary had many dedicated adults who worked to protect their students,” wrote Hainstock. “Our district has many safety procedures in place and we are reviewing all options to see what additional strategies we can put into place.”

Hainstock said the district will consider additional safety procedures, as well as discussing the school’s role in helping those in the community with mental illnesses.

“One of the challenges I have seen since starting in education is the impact mental health issues have on education,” said the Superintendent. “ We have children who are challenged by mental health issues at a younger age.  We also have parents who struggle with their own mental illnesses.  Our responsibility is around education and it is sometimes difficult to accomplish teaching and learning with a family who is struggling with mental illness.” 

 

Below is the message Hainstock sent to VS staff members before classes began Monday:

 

Friday was a horrible day for families as well as for the schools across the country. 

It reminded me of the huge responsibility we have as educators.  We have to protect our kids as well as provide a sense of safety and security for the parents who entrust them to us for so many hours in a day.

When I heard the news from Connecticut, I thought about the things we have put in place to protect our students.  I also thought about additional steps we need to take as well as making sure the procedures we have in place already are followed.  Each administrator is considering what we need to do to make our schools even safer and all of them have specific ideas that we will consider how to best implement. 

The other challenge today and this week will be answering students’ questions.  I am also struggling with trying to understand why this happened to a school and to so many young children and dedicated adults. Don’t be surprised if you need to give an extra hug or pat on the back today. There really are no answers to some of the questions but we need to assist students in understanding this is a safe place. 

Being an educator brings many celebrations and positives; it also brings huge responsibilities.  Thank you for your dedication to the profession and our students.