Staten Island Students Sing Sandy Hook School Song in an Emotional Tribute

The fourth- and fifth-grade chorus at PS22 show their support for the victims and survivors in Newtown, Conn.

December 20, 2012

Funeral by funeral, families, friends, and our entire country mourn the loss of the Sandy Hook shooting victims.

The unthinkable tragedy has rocked our nation to the core, and has deeply affected students from coast to coast. To honor the victims and show their support for the survivors, the PS22 Chorus in Staten Island opened their hearts and sang the Sandy Hook school song.

The choir teacher said that this "was without a doubt the most difficult song for me and the kids to have to teach and learn respectively (for reasons that need not be explained)."

"In the end," he said, "I believe it was important and cathartic for all of us to do this. We hope it brings hope and inspiration to those who need it at this difficult time, and serves as a remembrance to all those who tragically lost their lives last week."

In addition to singing, the students offered a few words of hope.

One little boy summed up how many of us feel. He pointed to his heart and said the Sandy Hook kids "stay right there, right there."

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Americans disagree on gun control, but we're all in agreement on gun violence: it's unacceptable and needs to stop. Take this pledge and show that, left or right, we can all stand together against senseless violence.

Whether it's inner-city gang violence, or a school shooting, horrific and violent incidents are preventable through community support and mental health intervention. Indeed, studies show that youth guidance programs can significantly reduce violence in high-crime communities.

As for mass shootings, there will be no solution — involving gun control or mental health improvements — until local, state and federal governments decide to initiate a serious conversation.

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In support of victims of the Newtown, CT, shooting on December 14, 2012, donate to Newtown Youth and Family Services, which will provide mental health counseling for members of the community.
Help the families of those coping with loss related to gun violence. The Brady Campaign provides support for victims and their families.
Take Action with States United to Prevent Gun Violence. They have resources to get involved in your own community and on the national level.
Emphasize the need for strong mental health services in your community. Talk to people who seem depressed or extraordinarily stressed. The National Alliance on Mental Illness features programs and services for individuals who may be at-risk.
Talk to your kids. If they ask questions about a mass shooting, answer them in the best way possible, but help them understand that recovery will happen.
Visit the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence to learn about their advocacy work and strategic engagement.

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• Newtown, Connecticut’s School Shooting—and the Lesson We May Never Learn

• 5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Support Newtown, CT

• Furry Comfort: Service Dogs Console Grieving Newtown

Jenny is the Education Editor at TakePart. She has been writing for TakePart since 2009 and previously worked in film and television development. She has taught English in Vietnam and tutors homeless children in Los Angeles. Email Jenny | @jennyinglee | TakePart.com