Newtown First Selectman Thanks Monroe for Being 'Kind and Compassionate Neighbors' in Aftermath of Tragedy

The following letter sent to Patch and written by Newtown First Selectman Patricia Llodra:

NEWTOWN, CT — "This week marks the end of a special relationship our community of Newtown has had with you, our kind and compassionate neighbors to the southeast, colleagues and friends from the community of Monroe. As we close out on August 1 our use of the Chalk Hill School building and return our Sandy Hook students and staff to their ‘home’ school, we are struck with layers of emotions.

"First and foremost, we are so very grateful and appreciative that you were there for us at the time of our greatest need. Your outreach to us through the office of First Selectman Steve Vavrek and School Superintendent Jim Agostine came within a few short days after the tragedy of December 14, 2012. The reality of a possible solution to the question of how and where to educate the youngsters from Sandy Hook School provided some salve for our hurt and some relief from our most immediate distress, grief, and worry.

• SEE NEW SCHOOL PHOTOS HERE>>> PHOTOS: New Sandy Hook School: Students to be Greeted with Hugs, Nature and Safety

"We, together, Newtown and Monroe, joined in a partnership based on mutual trust, neighborliness, and the old ‘Yankee’ spirit of confidence in achieving the near-impossible. So now we have been on this 3 and 1/2 year journey together. A journey helped along the way, every day, by your First Selectman and Schools Superintendent along with your exemplary police department led by Chief Salvatore, your elected leaders on Town Council, your town and school business managers, your town attorney, your school district maintenance/custodial and public works leader and staff, the many district teachers and staff – always with a hand out to help and support. And, not the least are the residents of your fine community who every day made us feel welcome. The smiles, the signs, the green ribbons, the scarfs, and more, all sent the message that you care. The magnitude of what you, Monroe, provided for us is immeasurable and can only be described as extraordinary acts of human kindness.

"We are enthusiastic and excited to return our Sandy Hook School program to its proper place within Newtown. But because of the care and the facility you provided for us, we leave stronger and with renewed confidence in a bright future. There are no words big enough to express the depths of our appreciation for all you have done. A simple "Thank You" will have to suffice. I hope you know that our hearts swell with pride for what we two towns did together.

"As a special nod to our relationship, we will soon offer Monroe officials and school personnel an opportunity to tour the new Sandy Hook School building. Information for that event will be circulated through the office of the First Selectman and the School Superintendent."

In Appreciation,

E. Patricia Llodra, First Selectman, Town of Newtown

Photo of Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra taken on July 29, 2016 in the hallway of the new Sandy Hook Elementary School building. Credit: Wendy Mitchell, Newtown Patch Editor.