Flags at South Florida public schools flew at half-mast Monday as the state's two largest school districts remembered the victims of the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools superintendent Alberto Carvalho ordered a moment of silence at the start of the school day at all Miami-area schools, saying, "educators here in South Florida and across the world know that this terrible incident will have far-reaching impact on [Newtown] for many years to come. Our prayers will be with you and your community now and in the months ahead."
In Broward County, Superintendent Robert Runcie reflected on tightening security procedures at area public schools, while recognizing the need to help students in coping with the tragedy.
"Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the families of the Newtown, Connecticut community," Runcie said in a statement reported by NBC6. "The safety of our students is our highest priority. The district has safety measures in place to facilitate a safe teaching and learning environment."
Both men announced that guidance and crisis counselors would be on hand at area schools to aid students throughout the day.
Miami-Dade is also sending crisis specialists to help in the emotional recovery of families affected by the massacre, according to a statement. Broward schools plan to keep all flags at half-mast throughout the week in memoriam of shooting victims.