The Tragedy in Newtown, CT
In this season that usually fills children and adults of all ages with joy and hope for the New Year, the entire AFT family is shaken and deeply saddened by the senseless, unspeakable loss of so many lives this past Friday in Newtown, Conn. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the 20 children and seven adults who were killed, as well as to Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Newtown Public School District, and the entire community of Newtown and its surrounding areas.
In moments of great tragedy, so many perform acts of overwhelming heroism. On Friday, first responders did what they always do: move quickly to ensure safety and prevent further harm. The school principal, teachers and staff did what educators instinctively do: protect their students. Two of the staff who lost their lives -- school psychologist Mary Sherlach and teacher Victoria Soto -- are members of our AFT family. The school principal, Dawn Hochsprung, was a member of our sister union, the American Federation of School Administrators. Also killed was behavioral therapist Rachel Davino, educational assistant Anne Marie Murphy and building substitute Lauren Rousseau. (The paraprofessionals are represented by the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.) Lead teacher and AFT member Natalie Hammond was shot but survived. In addition, a number of the nurses at the Danbury Hospital who treated victims wounded during