Students return to Apalachee High School less than three weeks after deadly shooting – WABE

Students and teachers at Apalachee High School returned to school grounds Monday for the first time since a 14-year-old student shot and killed four people on school grounds, according to police.

Students were greeted by grief counselors, therapy dogs and increased police presence, including the Georgia State Patrol.

Before an open house for students, Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith stood next to a pile of flowers surrounding the flagpole in front of the school and said the return was a “huge step” toward healing.

“On September 4, our community was brought to its knees,” Smith said. “Unfortunately, our most vulnerable were attacked – our children and our teachers in this building behind us – but evil did not reckon with the resilience and strength they possess.”

School officials say only half-day classes are planned to make it easier for students to return to their old routine. Students will return to school full-time after fall break on Oct. 14.

The hall where the shooting occurred will remain closed for the rest of the school year. Social studies classes that normally take place there will be temporarily moved to another building a few miles away. New classrooms are expected on campus by January.

In an emailed statement, Barrow County Schools Superintendent Dallas LeDuff said the district is still considering further next steps.

“We know this is not easy,” LeDuff said. “We are all still navigating adversity and emotions we may never fully understand. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remains our top priority. We are committed to discussing additional layers of security with our community and safety experts.”

Teachers Richard Aspinwall (39) and Cristina Irimie (53) and students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo (both 14) were killed in the shooting. Another teacher and eight other students were injured, seven of whom were hit by gunfire.

The suspected shooter, Colt Gray, is being charged as an adult. He is accused of four counts of murder, and additional charges are expected in connection with the wounding.

Authorities have also filed charges against Gray's father, Colin Gray, for giving his son access to the gun used in the shooting even though he knew or should have known that the teenager posed a danger to himself and others.