‘We take for granted life,’ Families react after deadly fight at North Forsyth High School
By Rebecca Smith
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FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. (WXII) — Families are holding their children a little tighter after a deadly fight at North Forsyth High School.
On Tuesday morning, one student was killed and another was injured after a stabbing on the school’s campus, according to officials.
After the incident, parents began getting calls and texts from their children. Many tried to pick them up from the school itself; however, students were moved to the Joel Coliseum at 2825 University Parkway, according to WS/FCS. Hundreds of parents and guardians waited in line for hours to pick up their children from the reunification site.
“It’s really hard not knowing how your kid is feeling right now,” said one parent.
Once at the Joel Coliseum, WXII crews spoke with parents who said they are worried but relieved to see their child, while also thinking about the victim’s family who would not get to reunite with a loved one.
“I think we take for granted life and how seeing someone off to school may be the last time you see them. It’s just a reminder to be thankful to your family and have those strategies to get in contact with someone if there is an emergency,” said one parent.
From fear to frustration, to relief, parents expressed a mix of emotions.
“When we think about the things that we’re supposed to do and the procedures that are supposed to be in place, every company, every group, every corporation has an emergency plan for almost anything, said another parent. “It seems our emergency plan kind of went sideways, but again we live and learn, we get better. Hopefully we’ll do better. Hopefully there will not be a next time, but unfortunately, that’s not how our world is looking right now.”
When asked how they will navigate tough conversations with their children about an incident at a place that’s supposed to be safe, parents said they plan to talk with their kids to make sure they’re OK.
“Definitely just talking with her, and just making sure that she’s okay, we love her, just making sure she’s okay, everyone’s okay, her friends are okay,” said a parent.
Novant Health therapist Andrew Watkins said there is no easy way to navigate these tough but necessary discussions; however, he said there are ways to help children cope.
Watkins said it’s also OK for parents to recognize that they’re hurting too. He said that it’s crucial for them to lean on family, friends and faith leaders to help process their own feelings.
WS/FCS superintendent Dr. Don Phipps said there will not be school on Wednesday for students at North Forsyth High School due to the incident. Crisis teams will meet with faculty and staff and will be provided to students when they return.
Phipps said students may stop by the Cable 2 offices on the lower level of the Education Building starting at 8 a.m. He said students must come with a parent or guardian.
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