DENVER (KDVR) — Jefferson County Public Schools announced plans for staff and students to return to Evergreen High School in the upcoming week, following a break in response to the shooting that took place at the school.
“Thank you for your patience as we took time last week to listen and learn about what our students, staff and families need as we move forward. After hearing from our EHS community, the Evergreen High School staff had a productive meeting on Friday; I continue to be grateful for the ongoing courage and commitment from our staff,” said the district in a press release.
The return will operate as follows:
Monday, Sept. 22 to Wednesday, Sept. 24
Staff will prepare for the return of the students, who will show up later in the week.
Wednesday evening
The school will be open to students and their families for a structured event that starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.
The event is something of an open house that will allow students and their families to walk around the school at their own pace to get used to the surroundings again.
Mental health support areas, therapy dogs and a wellness room will be available for anyone who needs them.
The school is also creating a project called “Hearts for Hope” that will allow students, families and caregivers to write encouraging and positive messages on hearts that will be scattered throughout the school.
The district said that to ensure that there are no large crowds, 11th to 12th graders are asked to show up from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and 9th and 10th graders are asked to show up between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
All participants must check in when they arrive.
Thursday, Sept. 25 to Friday, Sept. 26
Gradual return for students. No classes.
Monday, Sept. 29 to Tuesday, Sept. 30
Classroom learning will be introduced through short delays, 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Decisions were made following a survey sent to students, staff and family on how the return to school should look. The district stated these contributing factors in the release:
- 80% of students said they might be ready to return to school with some differences in the timing; 50% said within a week.
- When we asked how we can support their mental health and wellbeing, over 66% of students said they need a chance to connect with friends and peers. They also indicated a need for regular updates on school safety.
- 84% of families said their child might be ready to return to school with some differences in the timing; 75% said within a week
- When we asked how we can support the mental health and well-being of their children, over 76% of families said their child needs a chance to connect with friends and peers. They also indicated a need for regular updates on school safety, and feel that activities like art, music, or athletics will help students express themselves and feel like themselves again.
A video was also included in the announcements that detailed the schedule for the return, as well as several other changes that may be noticed at the school.
Deputy Odie Tucker was announced as the full-time school resources officer. He had spent time in a part-time role with the school previously.
Administration also said that students should expect small physical changes at the school, but everything remains almost the same.
Different areas had tile and carpet replaced, and each door now has a sign of the school’s mascot covering it. The choice was made due to the investigators marking each door with an X while they were checking out the school.
New doors will be installed in the future.
Staff are being trained to help deal with trauma response and the resources offered on Wednesday evening will remain at the school.
The school will also offer academic support services.
For more details, view the announcement made by Jefferson County Public Schools.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
