Following a devastating shooting incident on September 4 that claimed the lives of four individuals and injured nine others, Apalachee High School in Barrow County, located outside Atlanta, is set to reopen for half-day classes starting next week. The school, which has approximately 1,900 students, will operate with shortened periods and dismiss at 12:40 p.m. from September 24 to October 4. The decision aims to allow students to gradually ease back into the school routine after the tragic event.
Superintendent Dallas LeDuff reported that over 90% of the district's 13,000 students have already returned to school. Apalachee Principal Jessica Rehberg emphasized a thoughtful and gradual return to school, prioritizing the well-being and comfort of every student during this challenging time.
Enhanced security measures will be implemented at the school, with additional law enforcement officers on-site, more counselors available for students and staff, and resources such as therapy dogs being provided. The J Hall, where the shooting occurred, will remain closed for the rest of the school year, and students taking social studies classes will be relocated to a nearby building known as 'Chee East' for the remainder of the fall semester.
Temporary buildings are scheduled to be erected on the Apalachee campus by January to accommodate the affected classes. An open house event for students and families is planned for Monday morning at both the main campus and the satellite building. Students will have the opportunity to create art pieces for a mosaic display at the high school.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of two teachers and two students, with several others sustaining injuries. A 14-year-old student, Colt Gray, has been charged as an adult with four counts of murder in connection with the incident. Authorities have also charged Gray's father for allegedly providing access to the gun used in the shooting.
