On this segment of Thoughtful Thursday, we want to honor the first grade teacher Kaitlin Roig of Sandy Hook Elementary, who hid her students in the bathroom during the dreadful day of December 14, 2012 as a shooter walked down the halls. Kaitlin’s brave act saved the lives of her fifteen students and as well as her own life. Although the tragedy still burdens her heart, she continues to give and is on a new mission to help classrooms around the country.
In an interview with Diane Sawyer, Kaitlin expressed that it was time to give back to the community after of the tremendous support her class received. “’I need to take this time to teach my students that when you get, you have to give. Because that’s what ultimately makes our world a better place,” said Kaitlin She has created a website called Classes 4 Classes.
The goal of this website and organization is to educate children on how to give back to others. On the website, student can choose to help classes that need their assistance. When a class receives help, it is now that class’s duty to help another class in need. Kaitlin wants to create a ripple effect of kindness. On the homepage of the website Kaitlin says, “When we create a social curriculum that teaches kindness, compassion, love and empathy, there is not room for hate.” We hope her message will reach and teach every classroom in the world.