Juniors, Seniors Return To Poughkeepsie High School

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Classes started back up Friday at Poughkeepsie High School, in the wake of Monday's shooting on Forbus Street in front of the school.

However, not all grade levels were included.

Juniors and seniors returned as part of the planned phased-in return to classes.

Instead of a regular schedule of classes, students were given the opportunity to suggest solutions to some of the issues they are facing, talk to district and county student support staff about the incident and learn about safety enhancements made at the school, according to a district spokesman.

The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department said there was a reported shooting around 3:15 p.m. Monday in the area of the high school. Two teens were taken into custody, and one — a 13-year-old — was charged with criminal possession of a weapon. The incident spurred the cancellation of classes Tuesday through Thursday at the high school.

Students gathered by grade level in the auditorium for an initial discussion, breaking into small groups during which students were able to write down what they thought some of the issues were facing the school and their ideas to address them.

They reassembled for a group session, lunch and then a review of the day and evacuation protocols.

Superintendent Eric Jay Rosser and Principal Kelleyann Royce-Giron walked the hallways checking in with staff and students, to answer questions and provide reassurance.

"Today is about reflection and restoration and bringing us back to the importance of those expectations, policies, code of conduct and supports," Royce-Giron said after the initial morning session.

She reminded students that, if they did have conflicts or issues, there were places for them to go and people with whom to speak about them rather than bringing the conflict into the halls.

"There is no reason to air your issues in the hallways and lobby," Royce-Giron said. "If you need to, we have space for you — pull it into the garage."

On Monday, ninth grade students will report to the high school at 8 a.m. All 10th grade students will report to the high school at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday is scheduled to be a full day of classes for all students.

SEE ALSO: After Shooting, Poughkeepsie HS To Gradually Bring Students Back