Apalachee school shooting: Phase I begins Tuesday as students return to school since mass shooting

BARROW COUNTY, Ga. — Apalachee High School students are preparing to return to class nearly three weeks after the deadly mass shooting.

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“My peers and my friends, it’s traumatic,” Apalachee High School student Sasha Contreras told Channel 2′s Audrey Washington.

On Monday, students, their parents and teachers attended an open house at the school. District officials said the open house allowed students to reconnect with their teachers and to tour Chee East; the temporary secondary building while a portion of Apalachee High remains closed.

“The kids and the teachers have been communicating but not face to face. But, they will today. So, the overflow of emotions is not only tough for them, they’re tough for us as well,” Barrow Sheriff Jud Smith told Washington.

The open house is just three weeks after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said 14-year-old student, Colt Gray walked onto campus with a gun and opened fire. Two teachers and two students died, while several more were injured.

In a letter to parents, district officials provided a return outline:

• Tuesday, AHS will begin the next phase of its gradual reopening plan. From Sept. 24 – Oct. 4, students will attend school for half-days to ease back into the routine at a comfortable pace. Students will return full-time after Fall Break on Oct. 14. This plan also includes:
• An increase in law enforcement presence along with additional counselors, therapy dogs, and other mental health support/resources.
• The closure of J Hall and the temporary relocation of social studies classes to a nearby Barrow County School System (BCSS) building on Star Street. Buses will temporarily take students to and from the locations until new classroom pods arrive on campus (anticipated by January 2025).”

“Provide a safe, conducive learning area for them,” Sheriff Smith added.

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Law enforcement officials said there will be counselors and security at both Apalachee High School and Chee East.

In a statement, Superintendent Dr. Dallas LeDuff wrote in part:

“We know this isn’t easy. We are all still navigating our way through adversity and emotions we may never fully understand. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority.”

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