OSHKOSH, Wis — After three long days of hearing what lead up to the evacuation at Oshkosh West High School outside of their school walls, on Friday students and staff got back to class. Speaking with police and school administrators Friday morning NBC26 found out the steps that have been taken to make sure that students returning feel safe and welcomed.
On Friday morning, in a cold December wind, Oshkosh West students went back to class for the first time in three days, following an officer involved shooting that involved a student.
"The most important thing is that we go ahead and try to resume normalcy as quickly as possible," says Vickie Cartwright the Oshkosh Area School District’s Superintendent.
But Friday, was far from normal. That’s because on Friday students were hard pressed not to encounter a police officer near campus. Something the Chief of the Oshkosh Police Department says was intentional.
"A lot of my police officers have kids that have gone here or go here currently. For us, these are family. These are our kids and we're gonna be here to take care of our kids," says Chief Dean Smith.
In preparation of trying to get back to business as usual staff at West High met on Thursday to discuss how they would interact with students once they returned, which in turn meant that teachers had to be ready for those discussions on a personal level.
"It was essential yesterday that we're prepared and we took care of our adults took care of their needs, so that they can take care of our students," says Cartwright.
Many of the students Cartwright is referring to are currently experiencing the emotions involved, with knowing that a classmate of theirs had been shot and injured by an officer. According to police that student, a 16-year-old, allegedly stabbed School Resource Officer Michael Wissink before the shot was fired. Today, many students are hearing an update regarding Officer Wissink that they have been waiting for.
"He is on the road to recovery and our support and positive thoughts are going to him," adds Cartwright.
Counselors will be on hand across the Oshkosh Area School District for kids and teens that need someone to listen to them. Police say students should also expect an increased police presence for the foreseeable future in an effort to let students know, that they’re nearby and there for them if needed.
