PVUSD focusing on students as Aptos High prepares to return after deadly stabbing
APTOS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Aptos High School students are expected to return to school Friday, days after a deadly stabbing shocked the town's residents and school officials.
One Aptos High School Junior said he feels comfortable returning but, it's still hard to believe this happened at a place he considers to be safe.
“It's very unfortunate and very unexpected that that would ever happen," he said. "I wouldn't think that in my high school experience I would ever experience that happening.”
Another eleventh grader said it took him a while to accept what happened. Coming back to school can be good for everyone including students who were impacted the most, he said. The student also said that being around teachers, counselors, classmates would help students deal with the tragedy.
“I think that we definitely need to ease back into it," he said. "Resources, maybe getting some air or even getting professional counselors and people that know how to deal with trauma.”
These students believe having law enforcement officers on campus could provide a safe environment and prevent situations like this week's incident from happening.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office will have a strong presence at the school on Friday.
“We want everyone to feel as safe as possible after going through this horrific, horrific incident," said Ashley Keehn, Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office PIO. "Additionally, we have staffing planned. For deputies to be at the high school all through next week. After that, we will continue to talk with the school district speak with the principal. And we'll see where the district decides to go from there.”
Tuesday night it was revealed a 17-year-old had been stabbed to death by fellow students at Aptos High. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office arrested a 14-year-old and a 17-year-old for the crime. None of the individuals have been identified by family or deputies.
