Sense of normalcy returns as students head back to class
Patrol Officer Michelle O’Neil of the Kalispell Police Department walks the halls at Hedges Elementary in Kalispell on Tuesday. This was going to be O’Neil’s day off, but when she was asked if she was available to help make students and parents feel safe about returning to school, she took on the extra duty. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
School Resource Officer Ryan Zebro, right, and Patrol Officer Reece Stahlberg talk with the staff at the front office at Whitefish High School on Tuesday, September 19. In the background are home coming directions. Homecoming had been scheduled for September 15, but had to be put on hold as the law enforcement community investigated the threat that caused schools across the Flathead to be closed.(Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Detail of a badge of a Sr. Special Agent with the BNSF Police Officer standing watch at the Columbia Falls Junior High on Tuesday, September 19. Many members of the law enforcement community have stepped up to have their presence seen and felt at schools around the Flathead Valley. In addition to the police departments and Sheriff’s Office school security was bumped up by officers from BNSF, the Border Patrol, Fish and Game and Montana Highway Patrol and the National Forest Service. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
The sounds of children in classrooms and hurrying in the hallways could once again be heard Tuesday as school resumed across the Flathead Valley after three days of being canceled due to cyber threats.
Many administrators reported that the day was fairly quiet. As Evergreen School District Superintendent Laurie Barron explained, “Schools followed their regular schedules without disruption. The recess schedule was only interrupted by rain, which we were all happy to see.”
School districts throughout the valley held informational meetings for families and the community on Monday precluding students’ return.
Despite the ramped-up law enforcement presence at schools valleywide, attendance was still impacted, which was anticipated by school officials. Various school districts experienced attendance ranging from 70 to more than 90 percent.
Parents still concerned with the safety of their children were told by many school administrators they had the option to keep their child at home Tuesday and students would not be penalized.
Attendance at Columbia Falls School District — the epicenter of where cyber extortionists targeted their efforts — ranged between roughly 65 to 70 percent on Tuesday, Columbia Falls Superintendent Steve Bradshaw estimated. While low, Bradshaw said it was better than expected considering the circumstances.
“It’s been a real positive start,” Bradshaw said “It’s nice being able to get back into schools.”
Most teachers eased into the first day back after the period of uncertainty, explaining to students what occurred, allowing them to ask questions or seek additional support from school counselors or psychologists where available.
“We knew jumping back into the regular study of reading, writing and math was not appropriate,” said Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Mark Flatau.
At Columbia Falls Junior High, the day started out with an assembly followed by classroom discussions.
“We are having a very quiet, productive day,” Columbia Falls Junior High Principal Dave Wick said.
Whitefish School District Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt said there were some targeted lesson plans using the middle school and social media as an example.
“... lessons on appropriate use of social media and what students can do when they receive or see unsettling things on social media,” such as notifying a trusted adult, Davis Schmidt explained.
Barron said staff also volunteered personal time during lunch to spend time with students in Evergreen schools.
“We made extra efforts today to ensure staff was visible and available to students and parents, including having teachers, staff, and administrators outside welcoming students and families as they arrived on campus,” Barron said.
When it came to Glacier High School French teacher Stephanie Hill’s students, a major concern was what was missed while school was closed.
“My students’ major concern upon returning to school was that they missed French Club sign ups and why the class fish wasn’t back from the babysitter yet,” Hill said. “Unlike what some people might think, this is not them being self-absorbed but rather them reminding us of their youthful innocence and their trust in adults like us to take care of the ‘big stuff.’”
Hill said she spent five to 20 minutes discussing the events, depending on student needs.
“It was crucial to not ignore the events of the past few days because it breeds further fear and more importantly, the belief that their emotions are not valid,” Hill said.
Hill said many students wanted to talk about “why us,” in addition to finding out the facts or understanding negative or hateful comments posted online.
“When you spend your days teaching children to be kind, to be accepting of others, and to stand up for what and who is right and just, it is difficult to explain the actions of some people in the world and the power that fear can have on a person. In the end, you listen to them, assure them they’re safe and loved, and then teach them a silly dance to remember their French alphabet,” Hill said.
Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com
