PERRY, Iowa — Students in Perry will soon return to school for the first time since the deadly shooting at Perry High School, the superintendent shared Wednesday.
Elementary school students will return to the classroom on Thursday, Jan. 18, while middle school students will return on Jan. 19. Both schools will be under an early dismissal schedule. The district plans to continue early dismissals "until all three buildings are ready for a full day."
In addition, the elementary school and middle school will each host an open house for parents and students on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18 respectively. Both of these events will take place from 2-5:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, the district has yet to announce when high school students will return to classes.
"The return for High School students is still being discussed as there are many factors to consider," Superintendent Clark Wicks said in his message.
At a press conference on Friday, Jan. 5, Wicks noted there is some damage to the high school which will take time to repair.
"We want and are committed to having that school look like it did, you know, two weeks ago, and we want the students to be able to come in here and see that it looks like Perry High," he said.
Wicks also said at the press conference the district is committed to keeping mental health in mind when setting a return date for high school students.
"We're going to try to hit that sweet spot between the mental health of our students and staff, as well as the need for kids to come to school and parents need," Wicks said.
For more information and resources from the district, click here or read the full post below.