At a recent Barrow County School System board meeting, Sean Schultz, a father of a student at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, expressed his concerns about school safety after a tragic shooting incident. “My child doesn’t feel safe going back to school,” he stated, highlighting the insufficient presence of security personnel after initial measures were taken.
This sentiment is echoed by many as schools across the nation grapple with the aftermath of gun violence. In 2024, there have been no less than 178 gunfire incidents on school grounds, resulting in 52 fatalities and 120 injuries, as reported by Everytown for Gun Safety.
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Expert Insight
Psychologist Eileen Kennedy-Moore, author and mental health expert from Princeton, New Jersey, emphasized the need for schools to take steps towards returning to a sense of normalcy. “It’s vital for kids’ recovery to restore their routines and environments,” she explained, adding that avoiding situations leads to increased anxiety. Children should be allowed to focus on typical concerns rather than fears related to their safety at school.
Kennedy-Moore stressed the importance of providing support, whether through counseling or simply ensuring there’s a caring adult present. She believes that by reinforcing the idea that their presence in school is significant, students can help both themselves and their peers.
A Student’s Perspective
Taking a look at another tragic event, Saylor Reinders, a Michigan State University student, recounted her experience during a shooting incident on campus that left three students dead. She noted that while classes resumed, certain areas related to the tragedy were closed, and the university’s decision to reopen them felt rushed. “There was a lack of consultation with students,” she remarked, indicating a need for the institution to better understand student needs in the aftermath.
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Currently, at Apalachee High School, students are gradually returning to a normal schedule following a shooting in September 2024 that claimed two students and two teachers’ lives. Half days initiated on September 24, transitioning to full days by October 14, though the hall where the incident occurred remains off-limits.
Handling School Environments Post-Tragedy
Various schools have faced similar situations. For instance, Sandy Hook Elementary temporarily relocated students following a tragedy that led to rebuilding efforts over time. Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, plans to demolish its building, while Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s campus is addressing its long-term recovery with no immediate rebuilding plans on the former shooting site.
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Columbine High School took a different route; instead of demolition, school officials decided to keep the building intact for educational purposes, emphasizing security and community input in their decision-making process.
As schools navigate these painful memories and strive for recovery, it’s clear that each situation demands unique considerations, often centering around the students’ emotional well-being and the community’s collective healing journey.