To the Editor:

Twenty years ago, my oldest child entered Reeds Ferry Elementary School and this year my third, and youngest, child will graduate from Merrimack High School. During the last 20 years, I have, as a parent, interacted with dozens of teachers, administrators and staff to ensure the best experience for my children. As a former school board member, I have worked with hundreds of faculty and staff to ensure the best experience for all children of our community.

That is why my heart is anxious tonight, knowing that tomorrow the teachers of the Merrimack School District will carry the burden of the Sandy Hook tragedy with them as they enter their classroom. They will bear their personal grief at the death of innocent children, they will face questions by their worried students, they will support their fellow educators as they try to bring normalcy to an abnormal situation.

I've been to Newtown many times. It is so much like Merrimack. What happened there could happen here. The heroism and courage demonstrated by Sandy Hook teachers lies untested within our own Merrimack teachers. I don't need to witness a tragedy in Merrimack to know that our teachers and staff would sacrifice their lives to save those of our children. I think you feel the same way.

So, why wait to honor them?  Let's make sure our teachers know how much we value them and their dedication to our children. Give a hug, write a note, but find time to let them know that they are our heroes.

Rosemarie Rung
Merrimack