Mrs. Brawn's Return Eagerly Awaited

The community eagerly awaits the return of Sandra Brawn, the school’s media clerk, who is recovering from injuries suffered in a March 14 fire.

They have sent cards, visited her and kept in touch with her family since the fire destroyed her 13 Oak St. home.

Brawn is recuperating from injuries suffered when she jumped from a second floor window to escape the flames that had surrounded her.

And starting Monday, April 23, when school is back in session after spring break, members of the school community throughout the district can wear jeans for the week for a $5 donation to the

These efforts are a tribute to a woman described by school principal Joanne Stocklin as “an icon in the library.’’

“She’s like the heart’’ of the school, administrative assistant Carolyn Edwards said. “The kids are really drawn to her. She’s always been a very important part’’ of the school community.

Brawn intends to return to her job, Stocklin said. “That keeps her going’’ in her recovery, Stocklin said.

The day of the fire, Stocklin spoke to the students and reassured them that Brawn was safe.  

And not long after that frightening day, Brawn’s daughter, Tammy Markt, read the morning announcements and assured students over the school intercom that her mother was thinking of them.

“It was really heartfelt,’’ Stocklin said. “She didn’t want the kids to worry.’’

Another fund-raiser is planned not long after school vacation ends, Stocklin said. The staff will have a “gift card’’ party to benefit Brawn.

“The staff here is wonderful,’’ Stocklin said. “They’re just so supportive. They’re an extremely generous and supportive group of adults.’’