Dear Parents and Community Members,   

    I want thank you for the many e-mails, letters and kind words of support we received from the James Morris School community this week. You have lifted our spirits, giving us the strength to carry on and support your children in every way possible. I understand how hard it must have been to send your children to school on Monday. The staff met early that morning to make sure we were ready. All week they have kept their emotions in check and greeted their students with smiles. We've tried to keep our routines running as normal as possible, and the days have passed by smoothly. Bruce Richard has been diligent in making sure our school is secure, and Michelle Bell has been carefully screening visitors as they arrived at the front door. Teachers volunteered to take on extra recess duties so we could have additional outside supervision yesterday and today. I've also had additional volunteers meeting  the buses with me each  morning. Everyone has kept a close watch on students throughout the week. Our spirits were also lifted when the Wamogo Chorus and Jazz Band entertained us with a wonderful holiday concert on Wednesday (see photo below).  As a result of everyone's efforts, students and staff are feeling safe, and we've been able to concentrate on learning.

    Our art teacher, Laurie Sweet, worked with 6th graders to create the snowflakes you see pictured above. They are participating in a snowflake drive that is collecting one-of-a-kind snowflakes from students across the country. These snowflakes will be hung in the new building being prepared for the students and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary School, in hopes they feel the love and support of a nation when they arrive.

    Through staff discussions this week, we have found ways to tweak our existing safety procedures. Several improvements are being put into place immediately, including the  following of which I want you to be aware.

* All school doors are now locked before and after school, as well as during the school day.

* All visitors must enter the building through the main entrance. Visitors must ring the doorbell and be let in by main office personnel. We are working on installing an intercom system for the front entrance.

* Visitors must sign in at the office and wear a visitor's pass while in the building. It is also important to sign out, so we are aware of who is in the building at all times.

* Afternoon pick-up procedures will continue as in the past. Parents should enter through the hall door by the cafeteria and sign children out. Please let the office know if someone out of the ordinary is picking up your child, and school personnel may ask unfamiliar adults for proof of identification.

    Thank you again for your cooperation and support. I can't express how much your kindness means to all of us at James Morris School.  I hope you have a wonderful, restful holiday with your family and friends.