Six months after the Parkland massacre, students are back in class at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
Therapy dogs and counselors were brought in as classes began.
The school has made many security upgrades since February’s deadly shooting. The number of on-campus security personnel has doubled from nine to eighteen, and includes three armed school resource officers. More security cameras have been installed along with a single entry-point system.
Students and staff will be required to wear ID at all times. Upgrades have also been made to classroom doors so they lock automatically.
Even with the changes, Superintendent Robert Runcie acknowledged it won’t be an easy transition.
“It will be emotional, it will be difficult, as we remember the victims,” said Runcie.
The building where the shooting occurred has been blocked off with a 12- foot fence. To make up for that classroom space, the school has brought in trailers designed as portable classrooms. Two of these will be Wellness Centers where students can go if they need a break.