Connecticut school shooting: survivors start year at new school Police haven't released any details about a motive. Numerous police officers guarded the outside of the Monroe school, which is about 7 miles from the old school, and told reporters to stay away. Asked about the level of security at the new school, Monroe police Lt. Keith White said, "I think right now it has to be the safest school in America." Several signs welcoming the Sandy Hook students to their new school were posted along the road leading to the school. One said "Welcome Sandy Hook Elementary Kids," while a similar sign added "You are in our prayers." Teams of workers, many of them volunteers, prepared the Chalk Hill school with fresh paint and new furniture and even raised bathroom floors so the smaller elementary school students can reach the toilets. The students' desks, backpacks and other belongings that were left behind following the shooting were taken to the new school to make them feel at home. When classes start, Ms Robinson said teachers will try to make it as normal a school day as possible for the children. "We want to get back to teaching and learning," she said. We will obviously take time out from the academics for any conversations that need to take place, and there will be a lot of support there. All in all, we want the kids to reconnect with their friends and classroom teachers, and I think that's going to be the healthiest thing.