Newtown Parent Connection Founder and Executive Director Dorrie Carolan was thanked at the Board of Education's Tuesday, August 16, meeting for the organization financially providing a mental health provider for Sandy Hook Elementary School for the 2016-17 school year.

Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, explained that with the "sunset funding" of grants and resources in the district that were a result of the events of 12/14, "The Newtown Parent Connection has created an enormous financial partnership with the Board of Education which will allow us to have a highly regarded mental health provider on site at Sandy Hook throughout the course of the year."

Dr Erardi thanked Ms Carolan on behalf of the district administrative team and the Sandy Hook School administration and faculty.

"We'd like to just take this moment to thank you publicly," said Dr Erardi, "for being a vital part of our recovery."

Board of Education Chair Keith Alexander presented Ms Carolan with a plaque to mark the celebration.

The Newtown Parent Connection Board of Directors were represented at the meeting by President Chris Lyddy, Vice President Rob Ryder, and member Kathy Moonan.

"Thank you very much," Mr Alexander said to the board members and Ms Carolan.