MPHS students hold vigil, get ready to return to school

MARYSVILLE - Even though the rain was pouring down, dozens of students huddled together to light candles in honor of their fallen classmates. Tomorrow morning, students will return to Marysville-Pilchuck High School for the first time since the shooting. Some admit they’re not quite ready. But others say they want to be back with their friends.

”I feel like we’re all here to support each other, and we’re all going to get through it together as one big school,” says MPHS senior Alyssa Miller.

Administrators and community leaders have been talking to other school districts that have dealt with tragedy, trying to figure out what students might need for their return.

“We want the kids to feel safe, and that’s what we’re working towards,” says state senator John McCoy.

They decided to make tomorrow a half-day. Students will arrive at 10:30 am.

“It won’t be business as usual,” says Superintendent Dr. Becky Berg. “We’ll start with some kind of assembly, bringing them together. There will be time for the kids to wander around the campus, and time for them to show their support for each other.”

“I feel like the half day is good,” says Miller. “I mean, if we were just to jump back into academics, I don’t think a lot of people would feel ready to come back. So easing it in is like easing everybody back in.”

Lunch will be served in the gym. The cafeteria where the shootings took place will remain closed.

“We’re waiting for the kids to tell us what they want done with the cafeteria,” says McCoy. “They’ll tell us, so we’ll follow their lead on that issue.”

Governor Inslee has declared tomorrow Red & White day. He wants everyone in the state to wear the colors of Marysville-Pilchuck to show support for the students.