Cheshire Schools to Make Counselors Available Next Week to Address Newtown School Shootings

In a letter home to parents today School Superintendent Greg Florio said the district will provide counseling next week to students who may need it in the wake of the shootings today at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown that killed 26 people, most of them young children.

"We are all saddened by the news of the tragedy in Newtown today. Most of our Middle and Elementary grade students are unaware of the news. The administration wants you to be aware of this so that you will be able to support and counsel your child as you see fit," Florio said in his letter. 

"School is a safe place and children need to be reassured of that. School Counselors and Crisis Teams will be available to any students who need support upon their return to school next week.  The district website www.cheshire.k12.ct.us has resources that parents might use to provide information about talking to children about such tragedies. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families in Sandy Hook."

In addition, the district today posted on its website an informational sheet to provide tips to parents and teachers on how to talk to children about violence.