Join the discussion.

Inklings News

Join the discussion.

Inklings News

Join the discussion.

Inklings News

Dodig Addresses Student Body About Sandy Hook Shooting

Students+and+faculty+alike+stand+together+in+silence+as+Principal+Dodig+speaks+about+Sandy+Hook+over+the+loudspeaker.
Photo by Chloe Baker, Graphic by Cheyenne Haslett
Students and faculty alike stand together in silence as Principal Dodig speaks about Sandy Hook over the loudspeaker.

At 8:30 a.m. today, Principal John Dodig spoke over the intercom to Staples students about the Sandy Hook shooting that killed 20 elementary school students and 7 adults.

“It touched my heart and made me feel like Staples is now going to be a safer place,” said Annie Kessler ‘13.

Many students echoed Kessler’s belief, having positive thoughts towards Dodig’s address to the students during period two. The speech included sentiment and emotion, as Dodig described his love for his own grandchildren and his students.

The speech included details about Staples’s safety protocols and reminders to be wary of letting unknown people into school.

“I think it was good to remind students that we have a safety plan,” said social studies teacher Daniel Heaphy. “I like that he stressed that we’ll continue as a strong school community to remind us of our community links.”

Dodig emailed all parents of Staples students Sunday night alerting them of Monday’s speech and urging them to continue the dialogue at home, along with asking them to make sure students came to school on time Monday so they could hear the speech. He also mentioned that guidance counselors offered their services to those in Newtown throughout the weekend.

“I thought [the speech] was very intriguing and really captured the people’s emotions,” said Max Bibicoff ‘16.

After the speech, students continued to discuss the address and the Sandy Hook tragedy with their classes and throughout the school during free periods and passing times.

A transcript of the speech is expected to be emailed to all parents later Monday night.

Leave a Comment
More to Discover
About the Contributor
Chloe Baker, Managing Editor
She’s a person you like right away. She’s easy to talk to and immediately likable. A true journalist at heart, Chloe Baker, this year’s Managing Editor, has high hopes and expectations for Inklings. “I’m really looking forward to engaging with the staff and working on feature stories,” said Baker. “I love writing them.” Baker’s passion for journalism was sparked on 9/11 after watching the news with her parents. It was at that moment she realized the power of journalism and the importance of journalists. Last year, she wrote “The Secret Life of the American Teacher,” which she says was her favorite piece. Baker loves watching and reading the news. The Daily Beast is one of her favorite news sources and, in her opinion, is the format that journalism is headed in. The Today Show is another favorite of Chloe’s. She has great admiration for both Ann Curry and Meredith Vieira for their intellect and elegance. When she isn’t writing, she spends her time helping those in need. Chloe volunteers at a mental health hospital, The Jewish Home for the Elderly, and is the corresponding secretary for Go Pink, a club that raises money for breast cancer. With her great attitude and dedication to Inklings and the community, Chloe is sure to make this year a terrific one.  

Comments (0)

All Inklings News Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *