A long-awaited grant for Newtown Public Schools has come through, awarding the district more than $1.3 million for recovery in the wake of the Dec. 14 Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings.
The federal grant, from the U.S. Department of Education's Project SERV (School Emergency Response to Violence), will go to supporting the actions taken at Newtown schools in the aftermath of the tragedy, as well as the district's recovery program.
"This tragedy has forever changed the entire Newtown community—and our country," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a statement Friday. "[W]e want to do whatever we can to support ongoing recovery efforts and ensure this community has the resources it needs to meet the needs of its teachers, students and families."
Newtown school officials started work on the grant during former Superintendent Janet Robinson's tenure. Robinson said earlier this month the district was asking for approximately $4 million.
The grant will also cover "meet[ing] the needs of students, school staff, parents and family members affected by the tragedy and include support groups for parents, siblings, students and teachers; creative expression and wellness activities; counseling; training for educators and school personnel; and additional support staff," according to the U.S. Department of Education.
U.S. Representative Elizabeth Esty lauded the move.
"This grant is a critical initial step in meeting that obligation and in ensuring that Newtown teachers, students and families have the resources they need to restore a safe and healthy learning environment," she said. "I look forward to continuing the good work with the Administration and my Connecticut colleagues so that the Newtown community has the support they need to construct a new school, to continue their lives, and to heal."
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