Central Oregon Strong: Bend-La Pine Schools students return to the classroom following Silver Rail Elementary shooting
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Students across Bend-La Pine Schools returned to classrooms following last week’s deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary, as families and educators work to navigate grief, fear, and questions about what comes next.
For many students, returning to school means reconnecting with friends and teachers and finding comfort in familiar routines. But parents say children are processing the tragedy in different ways.
Elle Poole, a parent of students in the district, said her 10-year-old has had many questions about the shooting, while her 7-year-old has been less interested in discussing what happened.
Her older son was excited to see his friends again but wondered whether it was OK to feel that way.
“It's okay that he wants his routine and he wants to go back,” Poole said.
Poole said families can acknowledge their fears while also pushing for answers and change.
“We can be scared. And we can also want to lean in for change and ask questions,” she said.
At Pacific Crest Middle School, Principal Sean Keating said familiar routines and connections with trusted adults can help students feel safe and supported as they return to class.
“We want students to feel safe, cared for, loved — the predictable routines of school, being around teachers who care for them, being around their friends,” Keating said.
The school has three counselors available to support students, along with two additional substitute teachers who can help cover classes when staff members need a break.
Keating said staff members will check in with students individually, making room for conversations about the shooting while helping students regain a sense of normalcy. Additional support will be available for those who need it.
Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Cook said the district recognizes that students will respond to the tragedy differently.
“Some students are ready to get their lives back. Some students are going to need more,” Dr. Cook said.
The district has added counselors and mental health professionals across its schools. Dr. Cook said school officials will also work with families who may not feel ready for their children to return.
Support for students extends beyond the classroom, including access to meals, health care and mental health services.
“We're here for you. The supports that we can offer may continue, for the rest of their time in school,” Dr. Cook said.
As students adjust to being back in class, Poole said families are grateful for the community's outpouring of support but want meaningful changes to help prevent another tragedy.
“Let's not do this again. Let's not have another Silver Rail shooting happen again,” she said.
School leaders say their priority is helping students feel safe, supported and ready to learn while recognizing that recovery will look different for every child.
