DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Students wrapped up an emotional first day back at one Decatur school after a gunman opened fire there on Tuesday.
McNair Elementary Principal Brian Bolden told Channel 2 Action News that the classrooms were full of students ready to get back to normal.
Bolden said he was happy to see the dozens of parents who escorted their kids into the school Thursday morning.
He told Channel 2's Carl Willis he's asking the entire school community to play a part in security.
"We're feeling better. I didn't let him go to school yesterday, he stayed home with family members, so back today and it started well and it ended well and that's what was important," mother Evoyagelane Proctor said.
Michael Hill was arrested after he fired shots in the school, forcing the students and faculty to escape to safety.
Barbara Copeland said her son was ready to get back to class after a day away.
"He said, 'Mommy, I'm fine.' He said, 'I need to get back to school because I'm in the STEM program. I need to get back to school.' So, I was like, 'Yes.'"
No one was hurt, but the incident and the terrifying scene forced school leaders to refocus on safety.
"We've shared with them that security is not one person's responsibility, it's not an administrative responsibility, it's everyone's responsibility," Bolden responded when Willis asked if he's pushing parents and faculty to do anything differently.
Bolden said he was excited by all the parents who showed up with their children Thursday.
"They said, 'Is there anything else you need from us?' I said, 'Yes, we need you to be here every day.' And a lot of parents took that and said, 'We'll be a little bit more vigilant,'" Bolden said.
Parents told Willis they are eager to get back into their routines.
"I did not hesitate to bring my child back, and he was also excited to be back at his school," mother Sheila Holt said.
"It was comfortable, we dropped him off. I walked him to class like I usually do and it went smooth," Proctor said.
Bolden wouldn't say if bookkeeper Antoinette Tuff, who convinced the shooter to surrender, was back to work Thursday, but he did say the school is planning something special for her.
WSBTV
