SEATTLE — At Bryant Elementary in Seattle, kindergarten teacher Kevin Gallagher knew Wednesday would be difficult because of the mass shooting at a school in Uvalde, Texas. He had to do something.
“You are just consumed by this disbelief and rage,” Gallagher said.
Gallagher started the school day differently.
“I looked every single child in the eye, and said their name and said, 'I care about you,'" Gallagher said.
He also posted a message on social media.
“Just stand with me for five minutes in silence at our flagpole," Gallagher said.
He made that after-school request because he's been teaching kindergarten for 35 years, through the pandemic and moments of despair.
“Sandy Hook was unlike anything I had felt before with the other school shootings because they were first graders," Gallagher said. "They were a year older than my kids."
Now, 10 years later, another tragedy with the mass shooting at a school in Texas claiming young lives.
Gallagher did not know if people would show up for a moment of silence at Bryant Elementary, but right after the school bell rang, a crowd began to form.
“I heard that Mr. Gallagher was having this,” said one former student.
“I was in his kindergarten class during 9/11 and I am just here to hopefully see him and support him through this day," another former student who is now 26-years-old said.
Families and friends were there to greet Gallagher, too.
“I am so glad that he is doing this,” said Bonnie Morris. “I have known him for over 20 years.”
“I want to stop talking," Morris added. "I want somebody to do something.”
With about 100 people gathered before Gallagher said, “I am just going to count to five and start the five minutes.”
The five minutes of silence was followed by some comforting moments with people sharing hugs and consoling one another.
Seattle Public Schools sent a letter Wednesday to families with resources to help parents talk with their kids about what happened in Texas, those resources include: