Apalachee High resumes full classes a month after shooting
BARROW COUNTY, Ga. - Apalachee High School students took a big step towards normalcy on Monday morning. The school held its first full day of classes since the deadly mass shooting earlier this school year.
Classes resumed on Sept. 24, but have not been full days. Now, a month after the deadly shooting, the school community is getting back to a normal schedule.
Many parents had mixed feelings about sending their children back to school at all.
"I sent my daughter to school today because I felt like my back was against the wall. I felt like I had to send her," parent Tinya Brown told FOX 5 back when the half-day schedule began.
"We need metal detectors which will deter a student from taking something into that school," parent Judie Lea also said at the time.
Since the return to school, more police officers are present in Barrow County school buildings.
Therapy dogs and counselors have also been on hand to help students and staff who may be struggling.
FOX 5 Atlanta spoke to some students who were still trying to wrap their heads around the tragic incident.
"I just never imagined something would happen like right here," said Jason Wilson, a sophomore who was in the classroom when a teacher, David Phenix, was shot. "I just heard a bunch of noises so I just had my head down in the corner, praying."
Wilson said delaying full school days has helped him.
"Now that we did the half days I'm kind of used to it being back in the building now," he admitted. "It's like way comfortable inside there's like a bunch of people in there a bunch of like more resource officers there too."
In addition to other changes, school leaders have also closed off the hallway inside Apalachee High School where the actual shooting occurred.
"I think it might take, like, a little bit longer because, like, all the permanent damage and stuff," Wilson said. "I think they're gonna have to leave those hallways blocked off for a little longer."
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The Barrow County Board of Education is working to enhance a school safety plan, but some parents want solutions sooner rather than later.
"We're being reactive. At what point do we become proactive?" asked parent Sean Shultz.
"We did say, ‘Love will prevail.’ I think we did that, but now it's time to use common sense should prevail about what we can do to prevent a weapon from getting into the school," said parent William Philp.
A local photographer who took senior photos of 17 Apalachee High School students over the weekend said she felt the overall sentiment among the high schoolers was fairly positive.
"They all seemed in great spirits yesterday. I think we had a lot of fun," Brook Nickelson said referencing Sunday's photoshoots. "They're on the right path and and you know I just pray for their continued recovery."