Students plan tribute to Sandy Hook shooting victims

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (WSVN) -- Parents, teachers and students across South Florida are honoring the students and faculty who lost their lives at Sandy Hook elementary.

Students at Monsignor Pace High School are planning a special tribute Tuesday morning.

Flags around Miami-Dade and Broward County schools remain at half mast, while parents are overcome with emotion. "Wake up in the morning, kiss your kids and tell them you love them before they go to school because this is ridiculous," said Tiffany Williams.

Monday was the first day of classes since the tragedy at Sandy Hook elementary in Connecticut. Schools honored the victims with a moment of silence. "I came to school late because I had my mom walk to school with me since I didn't feel safe and anything can happen," said Shanetreus Labson.

The day was filled with tough questions and concerns. Counselors were available for students and staff, administrators and teachers turned comforters. "I had some kids who immediately, first thing said, 'I saw what happened, and I was saying prayers, and I was scared about coming to school today,'" said third grade teacher Mindy Grimes. "My parents were scared about coming to school today."

Even adults are having a difficult time processing the shooting tragedy. Williams is considering home-schooling her child. "We need more security, more protection for kids," she said.

In Broward County, Serge Achille kept his fourth grade son home from school on Monday. He said he is no longer satisfied with school security. "We need to be on top of it, as soon as it happens," said Achille.

Broward County schools sent a letter home with students on Monday reading in part: "School district police have been in touch with local law enforcement partners. There will be an increased law enforcement presence throughout our school community this week."

Yet, not even police can shield students, parents and teachers from a tragedy hundreds of miles away that's impacting a community like ours, across the country.

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