Banner honors Newtown, Connecticut

Wanting to send out a message of support to the families of victims in Newtown, Conn., the administration, staff and students at Burton Pathways Charter Academy had a special banner created to hang in front of the campus.

Using’s Sandy Hook Elementary school colors of green and white and Burton Pathways’ purple and white, the banner simply reads, “Sandy Hook Elementary, Newtown, CT” on the top half and “Burton Pathways remembers you” on the bottom half.

Twenty small ribbons, each one representing a young life lost, and six larger ribbons honoring the adults killed, separate the two halves.

Burton Pathway Principal Troy Hayes said details of the massacre were just breaking as the students were heading out for Winter Break on Dec. 14.

However, staff and a handful of students felt a sense of helplessness as they learned about the incident and discussed it, Hayes said, adding, “We collectively brainstormed some ideas and decided we wanted, at the very least, to express our hearts and prayers were with them.”

The school added a small light at the base of the banner, allowing it to shine after dark.

In addition, upon returning to class student leadership will be exploring the planning of an organized group vigil and the school will be holding classroom conversations to provide support for the students.

The banner can be seen facing Olive Street School at Burton Pathways Charter Academy, 1414 W. Olive Ave.

Contact Esther Avila at 784-5000, Ext. 1045. Follow her on Twitter @Avila_recorder.