CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) -Waynesboro’s Westwood Hills Elementary School, site of last week’s shooting and a hoax threat over the weekend, will be closed until further notice, Waynesboro Public Schools announced Tuesday.
”The school division is consulting with local, state, and national partners to develop an appropriate timeline,” according to a post on the school’s website.
A gunman forced his way into the building on Sept. 2, wounding a staff member before taking his own life in the library. Students were safely locked down after Anthony I. Ignatiadis-Isabelle, 19, of Augusta County, shot through a rear door with a 20-gauge shotgun, according to WPD.
“We are all Bulldogs today,” the post said with a cartoon drawing that was posted on the school system’s website titled Waynesboro Strong, drawn by Kate Collins Middle School seventh grader Mae Carrel. “We are determining a timeline for Westwood’s reopening, but are not yet ready to announce a date.”
“Please check the Waynesboro Public Schools’ website and your email for an update on the Westwood Hills Elementary School Recovery and Return details,” said the post.
The website detailed a staff support program that was in place Tuesday.
“Today’s staff program, “A Day of Support, Connection, and Care,” was designed to meet employees wherever they are in their individual recovery process,” the website said. “It was supported by licensed mental health professionals from Valley Community Services Board, Victims Crisis Assistance Response, and the Southern Regional Education Board Crisis Network Program at Westwood Hills today.”
”The school division in collaboration with school based mental health professionals, local, state, and national partners have developed additional resources and supports in trauma-informed care before students return,” according to the school system. “These communication tools are available to support families with age-appropriate language to support their children. Our staff will also use these communication tools to support students.”
WPS plans to have licensed mental health professionals on site when school does reopen.
