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YES Prep Southwest will remain closed until next Monday following school shooting

By and
Updated  October 6, 2021 1:58am CDT
News
FOX 26 Houston

Helping children deal with trauma

Following the school shooting at YES Prep, staff and students are being given time to process the traumatic event.

HOUSTON - After the school shooting at YES Prep Southwest on Friday, the school has decided to remain closed the rest of the week to provide staff and students a chance to process what happened.

BACKGROUND: Former student arrested, principal hospitalized following active shooting at SW Houston school

The school initially planned to reopen on Wednesday, but announced on Tuesday night that classes will resume next Monday, Oct. 11.

"We are devastated by the unconscionable act of violence that occurred last Friday. We are deeply shaken, but we are also relieved no lives were lost," said Mark DiBella, YES Prep CEO in a video message to his staff and students earlier this week. "Having two children of my own, I can only imagine your family’s fears living their worst nightmare, the fear of their own loved ones lives being in danger."

In a statement Tuesday evening, the school reminded families that counselors were available to help students in need of support. If students need someone to talk to, they can reach out for counseling here: bit.ly/yesprepsaf.

"The situation like the school shooting effects all of us," said Dr. Cristian Zeni, a child and adolescent psychiatrist with UT Health Houston. "I have a son in middle school and I heard of some kids threatening to do something at school as well so we are all filled with fear. The best we can do is tell them how we make ourselves safe at work and other learning environments and they should do the same.

Although, counselors are being made available, child psychiatrist for UT Health Houston says parents also need to be involved.

Here are things parents can do to help their kids through this and other traumatic events:

  • BE TRANSPARENT
  • LET THEM KNOW HOW YOU FEEL
  • ASK QUESTIONS
  • ESTABLISH OPEN LINE OF COMMUNICATION

LATEST: Bond set at more than $5 million for former student accused of shooting principal at YES Prep

"You can always count on us. The entire YES Prep family and the Greater Houston community to do everything in our power to support you and your families for as long as the healing process takes," said DiBella.