Today Sandy Hook Elementary went back to school….in a new building and without their leader.  Dawn Hocksprung, principal of Sandy Hook, was killed in the December 14 attack.    In 20 years in education, I have had students die.  (I stopped keeping track at the twelfth student).  It is never easy to return to school without them.  Having a former student die is not easy either.  The effect is felt even at my career center when a student who is not one of ours but is from the home school passes away.  The worst event of student death I ever faced was losing 4 students at once in a car accident.  They were all related…cousins and siblings.  I never want to see four coffins across the front of a church again.   It was heart wrenching and changed the culture of our building.  I do remember the strength and leadership of our principal.  He honestly focused on meeting the needs of a school facing loss.   Yes, our staff, the community, clergy, counselors, and parents helped with the process of recovery….but the school leader set the tone.  He acknowledged our grief, gave us ways to lean on one another, and encouraged us to move forward in our mission.  

The memory of this time in my teaching career made me pause and pray for the staff and students returning to Sandy Hook today.  I prayed most specifically for strong, focused leadership.  The loss of a principal is not easy for a school in any circumstances.  While I am sure the district has thoughtfully provided the school with leadership at this time, Sandy Hook is school that will be missing Dawn Hocksprung.  Strong school leadership is very important….now more so than ever.  The demands of school leaders increases every year and good elementary principals are amazing people.  The students are always first with these people.  I know Dawn put the kids first.  Remember Sandy Hook in this time of transition and adjustment.