#saugusstrong

It’s been one week. One week since my my hometown, which is also where I currently live was forever changed. One week ago today on November 14 (11/14) there was a school shooting at Saugus High School. I never attended Saugus, but I went to another high school in the same district and I have lived here for most of my life, so it really hit to close to home. I was on my way to student teaching that day and in the minutes it takes me to get there, I missed the whole thing and heard about it minutes into the school day. Even though the elementary school that I’m teaching at is about 6 1/2 miles away and across town, we were still put on a soft lockdown for about 2 hours. I have friends who teach at Saugus and waiting to hear back to see if they were safe was so scary and nerve wracking. Thankfully very few of the kids knew what happened, but all the teachers knew and we were all devastated. We all, in some way have a connection to the school and it affected all of us. Some of us went to school there, others have former students there, we know people who teach there, etc-it made it more real. It was hard teaching that day and trying to put my feelings to the side and pretend that it didn’t happen because I didn’t want to not be present for my students and I wanted to support them. For me, even though the shooting was across town, it affected all of us in our community and changed us all in one way or another. I know that every community in our country could be affected by a school shooting or a mass shooting, but there was a part of me that thought that it wouldn’t happen or at least I was hoping it would never happen. This school shooting was also more real for me this time because I’m about to finish my teaching credential and down the road when I get a job I could be teaching where another shooting takes place. And to be honest, it scares me and I don’t want anyone to have to go through that. It’s been a week and I’m still in a little shock, but together we are stronger.

Just 4 years ago we came together as a community in support of a devastating time at Saugus High School. A nightmare no child, parent or teacher should ever have to face while getting an education. Let’s continue to face the issues that needs remedy for a safer place for all of us. Always #saugusstrong. #graciestrong #dominicstrong (at Saugus Canyon, Santa Clarita, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck8ut8hJyGq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Please say a prayer for our running community 🙏🏽 #saugusstrong (at Saugus High School) https://www.instagram.com/p/CX__V4WPIZe/?utm_medium=tumblr

It’s was never and will never be okay.

Thanks for the love Saugus High School Cross Country Team. #saugusstrong Thank you again #teamrunnerslane and friends for the support at our #saugusstrong backyard 5K fundraiser for the Saugus High School shooting tragedy. Remember always we are #togetherstrong. #runnerslane @flotmina @saugushs (at Runners Lane) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8hJJqOAVr1/?igshid=1r3nasrig19if

A few weeks ago I participated in a raffle at @Wine661 benefitting #SaugusStrong and lucky me, we won a Complimentary Lunch and Wine Tasting for Four at @Cass_Winery = a good reason to plan our upcoming Paso trip! What’s your favorite wine from Cass? And yes, we’re hoping to see the infamous Ted Plemons too! 🍷🍷😍😍 . . . #EveBushmanWhatsInYourGlass #PasoRobles #PasoWine #Wine661 #TedPlemons #CassWine #WineTasting #WineLover #winelovers (at Cass Winery) https://www.instagram.com/p/B76PY10AQCG/?igshid=v20uv2uicm6y

OMG the Valley Board now looks like this! Who want it? And 50% all wines by the glass for the MONTH of January! #Repost @newhallpressroom with @get_repost ・・・ Our Valley board received a HUGE upgrade with the addition of a custom live edge redwood board. Plus, we made a new board dedicated to the community called the @Saugus Board. Come by, bring your friends and enjoy. We’ve also broken the bank by offering all by the glass wine at 50% off for the entire month of January. (Excludes flights, $7 Sunday and Happy Hour) #supportlocal #saugusstrong #wine #winelovers #newhall #cheese #charcuterie @explorethe661 (at Newhall Press Room) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7FAaoYgpCt/?igshid=xob5gglp4d5j