An up-Island school committee meeting to discuss and approve the annual budget Monday spilled into a heartfelt discussion about security in the public schools following the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., last week.

Grief counseling was available in all Vineyard public schools Monday, three days after the elementary school shooting tragedy in Newtown, Conn., that left the country in shock and sadness.

Vineyard schools superintendent Dr. James H. Weiss said teachers had been briefed on how to respond to children’s questions about the tragedy. But while the shooting may result in changes to school security in the future, the goal for this week, principals and teachers said, was to provide as normal a week as possible for the children.