Dear RVCTA Member,
The Jewish festival of
Sukkot is held each fall. A predominant
feature of Sukkot is the sukkah, constructed as a temporary outdoor structure,
topped with branches and frequently decorated with harvest themes. At its most
basic, the sukkah’s purpose is to remind us of the ephemeral nature of life.
The senseless slaughter at Newtown brings the fragile
message of the sukkah to mind. As in our schools, Newtown students and staff
arrived on Friday probably anticipating the upcoming holiday break, but what befell
them that school day was tragically different.
In his speech on Friday, President Obama stated, "Among
the fallen were also teachers, men and women who devoted their lives to helping
children fulfill their dreams." The
heroic acts performed by the Sandy Hook staff members graphically depict the
level of commitment that exists within all educators.
Teachers, teaching assistants or aides, secretaries,
security or custodial engineers, nurses or administrators; we are all here for
the same purpose – we serve as educators for the children in our community as
they wend their way through life. While
we may or may not know the children or faculty from Newtown, we, too, serve as role
models, family extensions, for our children and this is why this horrific event
touches us in such an intimate manner.
Remember the sukkah and the thought that life is precious
and each day is a gift. Bless you, your
families, the children in your schools, and, of course the families in Newtown,
Connecticut. As Monday approaches, you will be in our
thoughts.
In unity,
RVCTA Cabinet
Viri Pettersen
Lena Cobia Chris Figaro Lesli Deninno
Michael Maschio
Joanne Wojdylo Jenn
Cino Chris D’Ambrosio
