Press Release

April 21, 1999

For Immediate Release

ALL SCHOOLS WILL BE OPEN THURSDAY, APRIL 22

Denver Public Schools officials have announced that classes will resume at all schools Thursday, April 22.

Classes at all high schools and two other schools were canceled today. The Denver Police Department conducted a thorough check of the campuses and has informed the superintendent that classes may resume.

The closures were announced in the wake of the tragedy Tuesday at Columbine High School in Jefferson County.

In addition to all high schools, Traylor Elementary and Henry Middle schools were also closed. These schools were closed because, initially, the police department recommended closing only John F. Kennedy High School (2855 S. Lamar St.). Henry and Traylor are part of the complex including the Kennedy High School campus. The police department later asked for the opportunity to check all high schools.

All high school sporting events and other school activities were also canceled for today.

In related developments:

• The speech tonight at East High School by civil rights pioneer Ernest Green, will be held. Denver Police Department will assist with additional security at the event, scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

• Teachers who were scheduled to begin administering the Iowa Test of Basic Skills in classes today or tomorrow will wait until at least Friday to begin testing. This is the case for all grade levels.

• The district's Emily Griffith Opportunity School will remain open.

• Principals will remind teachers and staffs about the district's Emergency Management Plan, recently distributed to every staff member.

• An extra shift has been added to the Security Department and school patrols are being increased.

• The Denver Police Department has agreed to place additional Denver police officers in each of the high schools until further notice.

• A trained crisis team is available to any school with students who may feel a need to talk with someone about the tragedy.

• Denver Public Schools is prepared to offer any crisis team and security assistance that is requested from Jefferson County Schools.