Richmond school shooting: Students invited inside for first time since shooting

Dennis Intermediate School students and parents were invited back to the school for the first time since the Dec. 13 shooting that left a teenager dead.

Parents and students were allowed to enter the building in shifts, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., to tour the school and visit before classes resume Monday.

Students who left belongings and items in their lockers and in classrooms during the shooting were able to retrieve those items.

Richmond Community Schools Superintendent Todd Terrill said things have been very emotional since 14-year-old Brandon Clegg shot his way into the building and exchanged gunfire with law enforcement before killing himself.

Terrill also said it’s been great to see the empathy students have for one another.

“Many parents have told me that one of the things they want to make sure they do when they get here is thank the teachers for what they did that day and for protecting them,” Terrill said.

Signs from students in the district lined the main hallway, as well as a poster signed by staff that read “Richmond Strong.”

Classes are to resume next week on an altered schedule.

Therapy dogs and counselors also will be available for students and staff throughout the week.

Next week also marks the start of a district policy requiring visitors to show ID before they can enter the building.

RELATED LINKS:

Dennis students return to campus for the first time since Richmond shooting

Family of teen who brought gun to Richmond school, shot himself speak for first time

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