Students return to class in Rochester, discussion on safety after deadly Georgia school shooting

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — As students head back to class this week, safety is top of mind for local district leaders in the aftermath of the school shooting in Georgia Wednesday that left two students and two teachers dead.

The first day of school is usually a time filled with jitters and excitement for students and staff alike. Thursday, Rochester students returned, and it was much of the same.

“The most exciting part for me is being able to see the faces of our students and to welcome them to a new schoolyear,” said Ruth Turner, the deputy superintendent of the Rochester City School District.

However, with news just one day prior of another school shooting in America, leaders said difficult discussions are to be had.

“Parents should have conversations with their students about collective and personal safety,” Turner said. “Also, if you hear things, see things – it’s okay to tell a trusted adult to ensure their safety and the safety of their classmates.”

Demario Strickland, the interim superintendent at Rochester City School District suggested starting positively when bringing these topics up.

“You eventually will hear if something else is on their mind and the parent can be our first indicator, or the first person that can actually let us know that there may be some harm that someone is experiencing,” Strickland explained.

According to district leaders, when it comes to student mental health, their safety and wellbeing is a top priority, and there are measures to help support them.

“Our main goal is to provide that sense of emotional and physical safety for them here,” said Turner. “Our counselors, our social workers, are really experienced and are great with working with students and addressing some of those social-emotional needs they may have.”

Click here to learn more about RCSD’s school-based health clinics and the services they offer, including counseling.

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