In Time of Tragedy: AR School Buying Books for Newtown Students

"You try to put on a happy face and do the best you can to keep them safe," first grade teacher Hannah Pruitt said of her role in the classroom this week.

The Newtown school shooting in Connecticut last Friday, has proven tough for teachers like her to handle.

"We're grieving too. These could have just as easily been my 19 children," she said.

Instead of sitting by, she and two other teachers at Dwight Elementary are offering a way for others to take action.

"This is a really good book that kind of addresses the needs when there's a crisis ," said another teacher Kathy Knudsen.

The teachers and administration, deciding to forward donations slips home to parents, asking for donations to purchase the book A Terrible Thing Happened.

"It's really exciting for me to open up the folders and see the slips," Pruitt said. "To see a parent has donated a book in their child's name. I think they realize that this could have easily been their child and they want to help in whatever way possible."

"We're going to do something that's going to make a difference in some of those kids lives," said fellow teacher Angela Jones.

Within the pages of the children's book, the process of grief is put into a kid friendly context.

"Children read books over and over. We wanted something tangible in their hands they could hold and keep," Knurden said.

"This book does a really good job of explaining to kids that the feelings you have are normal at a time like this. If you don't feel up to par, your stomach hurts, you feel sad," said Dwight Elementary Principal Paula Gallagher.

"The faces these educators see when they think of the shooting are those of their kids in their classrooms. So, the real force behind this fundraiser is knowing the tragedy that occurred there could happen within these very halls.

"We started thinking how horrible it would be if it happened here and how horrible it is to happen anywhere," Gallagher said. "We had to do something. We wanted to do something."

This school in Russellville, like so many others in the nation, has had its heart shattered by a national tragedy.

"We want to help them to begin putting the pieces of their life back together," Pruitt said.

But now, they're looking for a way to come together to help and heal.

If you'd like to make a donation in the name of your son, daughter, or another student -- or donate anonymously -- you can mail checks to:

Or you can contact the staff at Dwight Elementary by phone for more information.

So far, they've collected 48 books, but they are aiming to raise enough money to purchase 500 books, enough for every student affected in Connecticut.