Local parents speechless after Newtown, Conn. shooting

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Parents across the country have been following the news out of Newton, Conn. with a heavy heart.

School is supposed to be a safe place for children to learn and grow, and the site of an elementary school surrounded by ambulances and police has parents in Mobile shaken up.

Newtown is described as a quiet and safe community.

That’s how a lot of the parents feel about the community surrounding Dodge Elementary.

The news of the Friday, Dec. 14 shooting had them second guessing the safety of school. Some parents even picked their children up from school early just to be with them.

"They're just little babies," said Wendy Alvarado as she picked her grandchild up from school.

Parents and grandparents Like Alvarado in the carpool line at Dodge Elementary couldn’t help putting themselves in the shoes of those at Sandy Hook elementary.

"We just don't know how to keep our kids safe. It’s terrible. My heart is broken for their families. I wouldn't know what to do,” said Alvarado.

Much of the shooting took place in a kindergarten classroom. A fact that terrifies mothers like Natalie Moody.

"I have a kindergartener," said Moody.

Moody said the thought of this happening at Dodge is a nightmare.

"My life is my children. My main concern is their safety. I buy them reinforced toes on their shoes so they don't stub their toes,” said Moody.

All of the parents we spoke to said they feel their children are safe at Dodge Elementary, but the events Friday morning showed them anything can happen.

"(It’s) like that school. Everybody thought it was safe too just like this school. Everybody thinks this school is safe, but it ain't because there are people out there that want to do harm,” said one grandparent as he picked up his grandchildren.

All of these parents will hold their children a little tighter and send their prayers to those dealing with an unimaginable tragedy.

"I would like to send a big hug to those parents that are suffering,” said parent Marco Cera.