While driving to my job at a Broward County Florida public school this morning, my mind was awash in thoughts of the senseless tragedy that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School yesterday afternoon.

Every school shooting is a horrible occurrence that should never have happened, and this time it happened in our own backyard. This time it happened in our state, in our county, in our school district. This time it hurts even more, because, this time, it happened here.

This morning students arrived, asking questions and looking to us for answers. Faculty and staff alike did their best to reassure the children and go on with the day as normally as possible, even though all Broward County schools were put on a code yellow lockdown to ensure extra caution in the wake of yesterday’s shooting.

After dismissal our principal held a meeting . She started off with a moment of silence for the victims of the shooting. She then continued , talking about what happened, how to deal with the students when they ask about the shooting, and of course reminding everyone to keep classroom doors locked and to be aware of our surroundings.

Along with the end of the meeting came the end to a very long day. I walked to my car and headed home, thoughts of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School still swirling in my mind. We in Broward County are still trying to understand what has happened. We go back to school tomorrow and start the healing process. And it will be a process. It’s going to take time.

While we take the time to heal, let’s also take time do what we have to do and make school safe again.