KILLEEN, Texas (KXXV) — Killeen ISD's superintendent sent an email to families at Roy J. Smith Middle School Wednesday night, offering support and resources following Monday's fatal stabbing of a student.
"There are no easy words for what we’re going through right now — Monday’s tragedy has shaken our school community, and we know many of you, especially our students, are struggling to make sense of it all," wrote KISD superintendent, Jo Ann Fey.
"Please know this: you are not alone — we’re here to support you in every way we can."
The email offered counseling support through the Jackson Professional Learning Center at 902 Rev R. A. Abercrombie Drive in Killeen from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday.
The district has also partnered with local organizations to provide wellness resources — click here for the full list.
The email states that students can pick up any personal belongings that were left at the school on Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. — teachers, campus and district administrators and Killeen ISD police officers will be on site to assist.
The district has also adjusted the grading period deadline to address missed learning opportunities — missed assessments from Monday, March 10 to Friday, March 14 will not be administered.
Instead, Killeen ISD is extending the grading period, ensuring no negative impact on UIL eligibility.
The district says teachers will provide opportunities for students to complete previously requested retakes and finalize their gradebooks by the end of the day on Tuesday, March 25.
Killeen ISD says its goal is to be empathetic and give students additional time to demonstrate mastery of the material.
"Grief looks different for everyone, and there’s no right or wrong way to feel right now," Fey said.
"But you don’t have to carry this alone — lean on each other, reach out if you need help, and know that we are walking this path with you. If there’s anything we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to call (254) 336-1055. We are in this together, and together, we will find our way forward."
Fey also announced this week the district is taking a closer look at safety on its campuses.
“Moving forward we are carefully reviewing and are reflecting on our policies, our procedures, and our training protocols to reinforce the safest and most secure learning environment possible,“ Fey said.
Fey says students involved in fights or assaults on campus or off that lead back to campus will be put in the DAEP Gateway, an alternative program.
“Any student who assaults a staff member at KISD will be recommended for expulsion for up to a minimum of a calendar year,” she said.
25 News reached out to the district about other steps taken at campuses, like banning bags at the Killeen High School campus this week, and received no response.
However, a parent of a Killeen ISD student tells 25 News that she doesn’t approve of using yonder pouches for student cell phones.
Kyjione King left this statement in my inbox regarding yonder pouches and emergencies something the school still refusing to speak about after trying to contact them this morning before the latest statement came in.
My heart is saddened by this tragedy. You expect your child to go to school and return home. You expect them to be safe and protected at school. Unfortunately, the truth is; that our children aren’t safe at school. The school is full of bullies and there are no real repercussions. Our children come home distraught from bullies and as a parent, you feel the pain of your child. Parents try and do the right thing by contacting the school but the school can only do so much. I’m a strong believer that a lot of this madness would stop if these bullies were being reported and videos were turned in to the authorities. We can’t keep letting this slide because this could’ve been our child. This is sad because neither child made it home. What will it take to ensure that our children will be safe? The pouches are the worst thing that could be invented. There is a study showing that when these mass shootings happen at schools, it’s usually a student calling the police or their parent to inform them of what’s going on. So why take them when it could help in a bad situation? Our children need their phones to protect themselves. Now, I’m not saying to record just for anything but for things that could help save a life. Usually, the schools/ police will ask for proof or a witness to prove bullying but what would be better than to be able to record your bully? This way it’s in plain sight. I know everyone feels like the phones are a distraction but it’s more than the phones. The phones are the least of the worries and can save a life! Not to mention when this tragedy happened, we were notified via email not knowing what was going on. We were left wondering what could be going on. Our children could’ve called us and informed us that they were okay but we had to worry in fear hoping that it wasn’t our child. Maybe when things do get bad at school, our child could contact us and we could get to the school immediately to intervene. Again, phones are not the problem! It starts at home and tired and underpaid teachers don’t mix well with disrespectful students! We have to build our village back before we lose more youth. Let’s start by loving these children and making them feel wanted so it won’t be so easy for them to just throw their life away.
The superintendent advises the community to remain vigilant and keep an eye on these items listed.
You can also click here, to report a bully online.
