Stratford mayor: Name school for Newtown teacher

STRATFORD, Conn. (WTNH)--  Stratford's mayor wants to name the new elementary school being built in town, after Victoria Soto, the 27-year-old teacher who lost her life at Sandy Hook Elementary.

"We'll be able to celebrate Victoria Soto's life and all that she did and her heroic efforts. The fact that she gave so much to protect those that she cared for and loved and was responsible to take care of,  I think it will be unbelievable," said Stratford mayor John Harkins.

Construction is set to begin this summer. The school should be ready for students by the Fall of 2014. The mayor also hopes to have a memorial built at the school to honor Victoria.

"A statue with maybe some benches around it, with children too in it. Something that would be tasteful but recognizing her work as a teacher," said Harkins.

She's also being recognized at Stratford High School. Next week the town council will vote on a measure to rename the street in front of the school Victoria Soto Way. We talked to Vicky's siblings earlier about how much the community's support has meant to them.

"She gave her life to save her kids and I think this is the least we can do for her," said Carlos Soto, Vicki's younger brother.

"We're satisfied that the family is supportive and that they are a part of this, and they should be, so it's not only going to be a community effort but a Soto family effort as well," said Harkins.

Victoria Elementary School would go just one block away from the current elementary school in Stratford. Now all that needs to happen is the town council needs to discuss this measure and they'll do that one week from today.