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Counseling sessions replace regular classes for the West Liberty-Salem community today as students, parents and staff cope with Friday’s shooting of Logan Cole inside a high school bathroom.
Counseling sessions for elementary and middle school parents are scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. today at Grace Chapel, 500 Linden St., West Liberty. Similar counseling sessions are also scheduled for high school parents at Quest Community Church, 110 South St., West Liberty.
“These sessions are designed to help parents who would like to help themselves or to help support their children related to Friday’s school shooting,” according to a message Sunday from Superintendent Kraig Hissong.
Group counseling sessions were also offered Sunday to staff and students.
Today is a teacher work day, as staff prepare for the return of students. The hour-delay Tuesday is also designed to allow for teacher team meetings.
“I am sure this will be one of the worst moments any of us experience at WL-S and I am so thankful of how the community has supported and strengthened each other during this time,” Mr. Hissong wrote in a letter to parents.
“Although the events on Friday were difficult for everyone, we understand the importance of returning back to school this week,” the superintendent goes on.
Students’ return Tuesday on a one-hour delay has school beginning at 8:35 for middle school and high school students and 8:40 for elementary students.
High school exams will be postponed for this week and next, because of the shortened week.
The district plans to have additional counselors from area schools and agencies on site Tuesday to assist as needed.
Supplementing support staff is another way area schools have supported WL-Salem in the wake of Friday’s shooting. Student bodies at Triad High School wore orange to weekend sporting events and other student bodies reportedly did the same and/or are planning to do so at games this weekr
Staff and students at area schools including Bellefontaine, Indian Lake and Graham are also wearing orange to school today in solidarity with the Tigers.
Community fundraising efforts are also under way to raise money in support of Logan’s recovery. A “Logan sandwich” is currently being offered at Marketplace Cafe, 130 S. Main St., Bellefontaine, with all of the proceeds being donated toward Logan’s recovery, for example.
“Our thoughts are with all students and families in the wake of this event and especially with the Cole family as Logan continues to recover from this injuries,” Mr. Hissong said in his open letter.