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Perry High School Shooting: Community Rallies to Support Students and Staff
January 5, 2024
By [Your Name]
PERRY, Iowa – Following a tragic incident of violence at Perry High School, the local community and school district officials have come together to provide support for those affected by the shooting. The incident, which took place on Thursday, resulted in the death of an 11-year-old boy and left seven other students and staff injured, including the principal.
Community Support and Resilience
During a news conference held on Friday, Perry Community School District Superintendent Clark Wicks, Perry Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh, and Heartland Area Education Agency Clinical Social Worker Stacey Warren addressed the media to discuss the district’s response to the shooting and their plans moving forward. Wicks emphasized the tremendous support received from the community and various organizations, highlighting their commitment to providing a safe and inviting atmosphere for students.
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Wicks acknowledged the heroic actions of Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, who was critically injured while attempting to protect students during the shooting. He also commended other staff members and students for their quick response and adherence to the active shooter training provided by the school.
Grief Support and Counseling Services
Understanding the trauma and grief experienced by students and staff, the Heartland Area Education Agency coordinated grief support services, which were attended by over 200 students on Friday. Local mental health professionals and a crisis advocacy team were also present to provide counseling and assistance. These services will continue on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In addition to the support provided to students, about 80 school district staff members participated in counseling sessions facilitated by critical incident stress management professionals. The availability of these resources was greatly appreciated by the staff, who expressed feeling supported during this difficult time.
Classes Canceled and Recovery Efforts
As a result of the incident, high school students will not have classes for the entire upcoming week. Elementary and middle school students will not return to classrooms before January 12, as the high school requires cleaning and repair. The district is prioritizing the mental health of students and staff while also addressing the necessary repairs to restore a safe and familiar environment.
During the school closure, the district will provide grab-and-go lunches for students between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the elementary school. Superintendent Wicks emphasized the district’s commitment to ensuring a welcoming environment for students upon their return.
Cracking Down on Threats
The West Des Moines Police Department issued a warning on Friday, stating that they will hold individuals accountable for making online threats of violence. This announcement came after some expressed support for the shooter and a local teen was arrested for threatening violence at a community school.
Lakeeve Arlley Fort, 18, of West Des Moines, was arrested for a felony threat of terrorism charge after Snapchat reported a message from his account that included the text “Should I shoot up the school?”. Fort admitted to creating and sharing the message, which was originally sent to a private Snapchat group a year ago. The police department emphasized their zero-tolerance policy for such threats or actions within the community.
This article first appeared in the Iowa Capital Dispatch, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.
In Perry, Iowa, the aftermath of a tragic shooting at Perry High School has brought the community together as they rally to support the students and staff affected by the incident. On Thursday, a 17-year-old student opened fire at the high school, resulting in the death of an 11-year-old boy and injuring seven others, including the school principal. The Perry Community School District, along with the city’s Mayor and a clinical social worker from the Heartland Area Education Agency, held a news conference on Friday to discuss their response to the shooting and the steps they plan to take moving forward.
Superintendent Clark Wicks expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the community and various organizations. He reassured everyone of their commitment to providing a safe and inviting atmosphere for students, emphasizing their resilience and determination to overcome this tragedy. Wicks praised the heroic actions of Principal Dan Marburger, who was critically injured while protecting students during the shooting. He also acknowledged the bravery of other staff members and students who followed the active shooter training provided by the school.
Understanding the immense grief and trauma experienced by those affected, the Heartland Area Education Agency coordinated grief support services for students. Over 200 students attended these services, which involved the collaboration of local mental health professionals and a crisis advocacy team. The district also ensured that counseling was available for the school staff, with 80 members participating in sessions facilitated by critical incident stress management professionals. The accessibility of these resources has been greatly appreciated by the staff, who have found solace and support during this challenging period.
In light of the incident, classes at Perry High School have been canceled for the entire upcoming week. Elementary and middle school students will not return to classrooms until at least January 12, as the high school requires cleaning and repair. Superintendent Wicks emphasized the district’s efforts to balance the mental health needs of students and staff while addressing the necessary repairs. The goal is to restore the school to its previous state and create a familiar environment for the students upon their return. During the school closure, the district will provide grab-and-go lunches for students at the elementary school, ensuring their basic needs are met during this difficult time.
The West Des Moines Police Department issued a warning regarding online threats of violence. They made it clear that they will hold individuals accountable for making such threats, following the support expressed for the shooter and the arrest of a local teen for threatening violence at a community school. The police department stressed their zero-tolerance policy for these threats or actions within the community.
The Perry community has shown resilience and unity in the face of this tragedy. The outpouring of support from various organizations and the community itself has provided comfort and strength to those affected. As the healing process continues, the Perry Community School District remains committed to supporting their students and staff, offering resources and services to help them cope with the grief and trauma they have experienced.
(This article first appeared in the Iowa Capital Dispatch, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.).
