Coping with tragedy: 2 funerals Monday

NEWTOWN, Conn. (WWLP) - Monday begins what will likely be a long and difficult week for the tight-knit community of Newtown, Connecticut.

Three days ago, 20 year old Adam Lanza, who used to attend the Sandy Hook Elementary School, shot his way inside and killed 20 children and six adults.

Details of the horror that took place inside the hallways are followed by stories of heroism.

Like Sandy Hook's Principal Dawn Hochsprung, who allegedly was killed while lunging at the gunman.

Teacher Viki Soto allegedly hid her children from the shooter.

All schools in Newtown are closed for Monday. Students and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary will return to the classroom sometime this week in the neighboring community of Monroe.

A statement on the Monroe Public Schools website says that counseling services will be available, and a police officer will be inside every school.

Monday also begins the unimaginable process of saying goodbye.

Funerals are planned for Noah Pozner and Jack Pinto; two six-year olds whose lives were cut tragically short. A funeral for Pozner will be held in Fairfield, Connecticut at 1:00PM at the Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home.

Pinto's services at also set for 1:00 P.M. at the Honan Funeral Home on Main Street in Newtown.

Pozner was described by his aunt as 'rambunctious', with a huge heart and lots of spirit.

Pinto was a huge New York Giants Fan. Giants Wide Receiver Victor Cruz wrote his name on his shoes for Sunday's game, followed by the words: "my hero."

Everywhere you go in Newtown, there are signs of hope and strength. Makeshift memorials, flowers, candles, teddy bears. Strangers hugging strangers. Many people even coming from other states just to lend a shoulder to cry on.

President Obama spoke to the victims families on Sunday and then spoke at an inter-faith vigil at the St. Rose of Lima Church. He told the nation he will use whatever power he has to make sure what happened on Friday does not happen again.

Newtown is forever changed. The community of more than 27,000 is now home to the second deadliest school shooting in U.S. history, but it is also the home of strength and hope.

As for Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Associated Press is reporting that it may never reopen, at least not until an overhaul.

The United Way of Western Connecticut has established a fund for the victims and their families.

To donate you can send checks to: Sandy Hook School Support Fund, c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main Street, Newtown, CT. 06470.