A much needed break

I've had such a hard time trying to deal with what happened in Newton. My heart has been so heavy all week. I didn't want to watch about it (which is weird for me, normally I cope by buying right into the media frenzy) but I felt overwhelmed by the surplus of coverage for this event. I felt like screaming "leave the schools and teachers alone". I hated logging onto Facebook to see everyone posting about their solutions -arm all the teachers - take all guns away - stick anyone with depression in a box - and was super frustrated when even Pinterest was taken over (my escape to look at pictures of puppies, pretty houses, and classroom ideas). For the most part my students didn't say anything about it. Until today. 

We found out yesterday that there was a rumor about a shooting today at my school - they found the person who started it and there wasn't any truth behind it. But my students were not as convinced and asked me before opening the door for their classmates if it was safe and whisper asking to me before beginning their test "you lock the door, right?". It makes me so sad. 

I think the reason that this is hitting me so hard is because I would do the same for each of my students. And that scared me when I realized it. They are the reason I love my job so much. 

I hope that teachers everywhere in the country can enjoy a much needed break. Spend time with your families, away from your classroom, let the media circus die down, and come back to school in January both having missed your students and classroom and enjoy the rest of what should be a great school year.