Apalachee High students return to class full-time after school shooting
WINDER, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Apalachee High School students went back to class full-time after the mass shooting on Sept. 4 that claimed the lives of two teachers and two students.
Students have been going to school for half-days since late last month to help ease them back in.
The hall where the shooting happened will remain closed. Because of that, students will be bussed to another location for social studies classes.
“My daughter has been a little more on edge. My son was on the outside during the incident. But we’ve had talks and they’ve been willing to talk about it. And think they’ve found that having the of the community and the teachers and family and people around them in the community has been really helpful,” Corey Funk, a parent, said.
“The teachers have been working with (my daughter) really great. All the signs that schools have made, different communities and businesses really pouring their love out and showing these kids their has really been helpful. That helps her get through the day,” mom Amanda White said.
FULL COVERAGE: Apalachee High School shooting
The first full day comes with some changes. Since this mass shooting happened a little over a month ago, some parents and students have been pleading for more security measures. District leaders say that is actively happening.
The Barrow County School District is finding ways to upgrade security in all its schools. In fact, at a board of education meeting earlier this month, they approved the addition of eight more resource officers for the district. They’ve also voted to add classroom phones that will allow teachers to alert the istration quickly and discreetly about a concern. Those phones will be installed in high schools first.
According to its website, the district said it is examining potential enhancements like metal or weapon detectors and clear backpacks.
“Between October and November, the board will meet with school governance teams (SGT) to present research and findings and receive from SGT in the decision-making process. Other focus groups in the process include faculty and staff, the Teacher Advisory Council, TOTY VIP, and other groups. The Barrow County School System values the from students, families, and community ,” according to the district website.
The goal is to have the safety recommendations for the board early next year.
Below is a timeline for the potential new safety measures:
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