‘I’m really nervous’: Students, teachers return to classes at Apalachee High School
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WINDER, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - It’s been nearly three weeks since four lives were taken and multiple others were injured at Apalachee High School. Monday’s open house was the first time back for junior Sasha Contreras since the deadly mass shooting at the school on Sept. 4. “I’m really nervous about tomorrow,” she said.
The district said students will return to half-days through Oct. 4, and return full-time Oct 14. Students and staff will notice an increased police presence, and mental health resources will be available. “The whole community is still grieving, and it does take time,” said Layla Contreras, an Apalachee High School graduate. Layla Contreras started a petition encouraging the district to first hear input before sending students back in person.
“I think having that public input, having that opportunity to speak about what policy should be in place, is crucial,” she said. The sisters believe more safety measures should be in place before heading back. “We know there is a lot more research to be done about metal detectors and clear bags, but at the very least having clear bags and mesh bags,” said Layla Contreras. “At least a short-term policy or at least an online alternative until we are expected to go back, until they have the board meeting with community input from students, community and parents,” said Sasha Contreras. The Barrow County School District said coming back is an important first step toward healing.
They ask that anyone anxious about coming back reach out to them for support and guidance. Meanwhile, the community is rallying to help everyone heal. The Barrow Community Foundation is one organization stepping in to help. “To fund programs, nonprofits, the people that are in the trenches really trying to cause healing to happen,” said Douglas Mitchell, chairman of the Barrow Community Foundation. “Eventually, things will settle down, and people will get back to normal life, but for some people it’s not going to be normal life for a very long time.