Florida school shooting: Parkland classes may resume 2 weeks after tragedy

Dan Rorabaugh and Jennifer Sangalang | The (Stuart, Fla.) News

The Broward County, Fla., high school where a former student allegedly killed 17 people last week will have a phased reopening with plans for classes to resume by Feb. 28.

In an updated note on its website, the Broward County school district said staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School could return to school Friday, but they are required to return Monday, Feb. 26, and Tuesday, Feb. 27. A voluntary campus orientation for students and their parents or guardians is set for 3 p.m. Sunday.

Classes will resume Feb. 28 at the high school on a modified schedule. This is a day later than originally planned.

Support services will available on campus for those in need, the school district said.

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"The reopening events are only open to Marjory Stoneman Douglas students, parents/guardians and staff," the school said. "Broward County Public Schools appreciates the support of our entire community during this phased reopening process."

In a video message posted Feb. 17 on YouTube, principal Ty Thompson said: "We experienced an unthinkable act of violence. Our heart is breaking for the victims' families and our entire Stoneman Douglas community."

Thompson thanked the students and staff, first responders, and the school district, local, state, and federal authorities for their support.

"We've gotten such an outcry of support worldwide via email and social media, and I thank you on behalf of the whole Stoneman Douglas community," he said in his message. "I've received some media inquiries. Right now, my No. 1 job is to be here for my staff, my students and our community in this time of need."

Thompson visibly paused during the 2-minute video, but continued: "We lost 17 lives on Valentine's Day. That's supposed to be the international day of love."

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Follow Jennifer Sangalang on Twitter: @byjensangalang