It was a little difficult to bring my son to school Monday morning after the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, but the fear melted instantly after a hug from his previous kindergarten teacher. I know that if an incident occurs at Willett Elementary School, his kindergarten teacher, Rick Blacker, will simultaneously calm and protect; he stands on the curb every morning making sure they are safe when they arrive in school.

His first-grade teacher, Nina Watson, will calmly talk the kids out of panic and instruct them to move toward safety in the most efficient and organized way. His second-grade teacher, Jane Knox, as petite as she is, will fiercely fight for her students’ safety. Rebecca Owings, his third-grade teacher, can problem solve like no other, and I think, can actually read each of her students’ minds.

I have been in the classroom with fourth-grade teacher, Jim Reevesman, during a “safety in place” exercise and has witnessed how he efficiently went through the safety procedure. The kids automatically went to the safe place and all 20 of them somehow fit in such a small, safe area. Reevesman positioned himself in the front of the pile. He is their rock.

My son is currently in Niki Reina-Guerra’s fifth-grade class. Mrs. R-G has all the great qualities of my son’s previous teachers. In addition, Mrs. R-G has these wonderful kids who also will protect and comfort each other in time of need.

Goodness forbid this kind of tragedy happens in our neighborhood, but I am assured that my son is under the best care possible, from the principal, Heidi Perry, and her good folks Rhonda Brooks and Tara Stapleton at the front office; from his teachers and friends; and from the countless parents always present at the school who will treat my son as one of their own.

Joy Knapp

Davis

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