WINDER, Ga. — For the first time since the Sept. 4 school shooting, students at all but one Barrow County school are returning to class.
“It’s very, very heartbreaking and terrifying,” said Alyssa, a student at Winder-Barrow High.
On their first day back, Alyssa and other students and staff were emotional, as many worried about copycats. “There are still people making fake threats, so students are very scared to return to school,” added Alyssa.
A grandparent in Tuesday's drop-off line echoed similar sentiments.
“I'm very nervous, very nervous about going back, and they are nervous too, but my granddaughter just doesn’t want to get behind; she‘s taking college classes, and she doesn’t wanna get behind,” said the grandparent who did not want to disclose her identity.
Barrow County School Superintendent Dr. Dallas LeDuff announced the decision to reopen all schools except Apalachee High over the weekend. In a video message, he acknowledged the community would never be the same and said the days ahead would be difficult, and those 11Alive spoke to agreed.
“We don’t know if it’s safe, and I’m sending them back, as you know, but you just don’t wanna do it. And, I don’t know how long it’s going to be before they realize we have to do other safety measures here; what they’re doing is just not working,” the grandparent went on.
She and several others 11Alive spoke with said they want the district to install metal detectors.
“Right now we do not have sufficient detection if someone is bringing a gun and they could just walk in, in the mornings and with the metal detector the alarm goes off they pull the child aside, search their backpack, and this would not have happened,” added the grandparent.
But, the district is implementing new safety measures and said the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office will provide additional security at all schools.
"I’ve heard about new rules here at Winder Barrow and I’m very happy about that. But, I believe that our safety should’ve been taken very, very seriously from the start, and I’m very happy that it is being taken seriously now,” said Alyssa.
In a statement Tuesday, the same day students returned to class, Superintendent LeDuff called the return to school an "emotional day on many levels."
"But I am proud to say that thanks to our exceptional teachers, principals, and staff, our students were able to enjoy learning together," the statement read. "Thank you for your grace and patience as we walk this road together. Our Barrow community is stronger together and we are grateful for your support."
LeDuff added that school district staff "continue to plan for the reopening of Apalachee."
District officials say they will offer mental health support for returning students in addition to new security measures. Students who aren’t ready to go back to class are encouraged to contact school officials.