Berlin High Students Were Told Of Shooting By Formal Announcement

Berlin High School Assistant Principal Janet Parlato made the following formal announcement to the whole school in regards to the Newtown school shooting.

I'd like to share some heartbreaking news from our own state. In Newtown, about 45 minutes away, a person who entered the building began shooting in an elementary school.

First our thoughts go out to the families of the Newtown schools. No parent should have to worry about his or her children's safety in what is supposed to be one of the nation's safest places, the school.

Second, we should be reminded about the purpose of our assemblies over the past two days: to care a bit more for each other, to look out for our fellow students in both good times and in times of horrible tragedy.

At BHS, we hold lockdown drills for this very reason - to ensure the safety of 1,200 people when the worst possible thing happens.

This is not a time for fear, but instead it is a time for reflection and for tremendous sadness for the innocent children, teachers, and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Please keep them in your thoughts today, this weekend, and in the weeks ahead.