Monday was not a traditional day for YES Prep Southwest college students. Instead, the campus centered all actions round therapeutic.
HOUSTON — Today is not any bizarre school day for YES Prep Southwest college students. After taking every week off due to a taking pictures contained in the school, college students returned to the campus, not to give attention to schoolwork, however to heal.
Therapy canine Rebal, Grace, Gus and Pickle Juice — all with Hope Animal-Assisted Crisis Response — had been introduced on campus to present consolation to college students who’re nonetheless shaken up concerning the school taking pictures that occurred on Oct. 1 that injured principal Eric Espinoza.
In addition to the four-legged pals, dozens of counselors are current on the school to provide assist, together with Dr. Julie Kaplow, founding father of Santa Fe Resiliency Center.
Students might be dismissed early right this moment to put together for a standard school day Tuesday.
KHOU 11 reporter Michelle Choi could have a dwell replace on this story on KHOU 11 News at midday.
More than 900 college students had been at YES Prep Southwest on the time 25-year-old Dexter Kelsey allegedly shot via the entrance doorways of the campus then shot Espinoza within the again.
Students and staff members thrust into lively shooter protocols once they had been knowledgeable of the taking pictures. Parents rushed to the campus after listening to the information.
Fortunately, nobody else was injured on this taking pictures, however the emotional and psychological scar might be everlasting.
“It’s traumatic to go through this and certainly there’s a good possibility that feeling of shock is still with them,” KHOU Mental Health Expert Bill Prasad mentioned. “At times they will be hyper-vigilant, meaning that maybe a noise, a bang, might startle them.”
Kelsey has been charged with lethal conduct and aggravated assault towards a public servant. According to a regulation enforcement supply, Kelsey confessed to the taking pictures, telling police he was listening to voices and was not after the principal, however fairly a special staff member.
He’s being held on bonds totaling greater than $5 million.