Central Oregon Strong: Students to return to Bend-La Pine schools after Silver Rail Elementary shooting

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Students in the Bend-La Pine School District are returning to classrooms for the first time since a shooting occurred last Thursday at Silver Rail Elementary School. District officials stated that the goal is to conduct a typical school day while offering support for any individual needing a moment to step aside or rest.

To assist with the transition, a higher number of police officers are stationed at every school across the district. The district is offering support services to help students, parents and educators process the emotional impact of the incident.

Lindsey Hoffman, a behavioral therapist with Deschutes County Behavior Health, provided guidance for parents on how to speak with children about the event. Hoffman emphasized that discussions should take place with a trusted adult rather than peers.

“We want to pay attention to is that we are using age appropriate language,” Hoffman said. “There's no magical time of when to have this conversation about what happened, but we really want it to come from a trusted adult, not from their classmates.”

Hoffman suggested several steps parents can take, including engaging in direct conversation, encouraging self-care, keeping consistent expectations, restricting access to media and monitoring their child's relationships. She added that adults may admit when they do not know an answer, offer to find information together or revisit difficult topics at a later time.

Assistance is also available for educators returning to work. Dr. Steven Cook, superintendent of Bend-La Pine Schools, addressed the preparation process for district staff.

“My guess is that most faculty and staff are going to be ready to do that,” Cook said. “In the next couple of days and then step into those conversations with our students on Wednesday. And for the the staff that that aren't. We've got all kinds of resources for them to help them work through that processing and and work our way back toward whatever that entry for them would look like.”

District staff are scheduled to step into conversations with students on Wednesday as schools continue providing processing resources for faculty and employees.

Services Available:
 The Deschutes County Stabilization Center is open 24 hours a day at 63311 NE Jamison St. in Bend. Support is also available by calling the local crisis line at 541-322-7500 ext. 9, or by calling or texting 988 to reach the national hotline at any time.

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