Oxford students return to class for first time since mass shooting

Oxford — Under the cover of darkness and single-digit cold, Oxford High School students returned to classes at the district's middle school on Tuesday.

Both parents and a phalanx of buses dropped off the students who were greeted by what appeared to be school officials. There was a presence, too, of Oakland County sheriff's deputies on hand to supervise.

Some students wore lettered school jackets inside; another wore a shirt that read, "Everything about us is tough" on the back.

There were two entrances students used to enter the building for the half-day of sessions.

It was the first day back for students after a Nov. 30 shooting at the high school. Four students were killed, and six students and a teacher were injured.

Later Tuesday morning, Denise Aldred-Nahass was waiting to pick up her granddaughter, who is a freshman at Oxford High School. She said she was eager to learn about her spirits.

“I think it was good that they started out at the middle school,” she said. “Get used to school slowly.”

Nahass said her granddaughter didn’t want to stay the whole school day, “so I’m picking her up early. I applaud her for that.”

“I’m sure she was anxious,” Nahass added. “It’s just very sad. It makes us all down. And I just can’t believe it (the shooting) can happen in little Oxford. You don’t think it can happen until it happens in your town.”

Oxford school officials reported an 88% attendance rate for high school students.

“It was absolutely electric in the hallways. It was amazing,” said Jill Lemond, assistant superintendent of student services.

For two weeks, through Jan. 21, Oxford High, Oxford Middle School and Bridges, its alternative high school, will be on "alternative hybrid schedules" at the middle school building, Superintendent Tim Throne has said. High School students will also have half-days at the middle school on Thursday and Jan. 18 and Jan. 20. On those days, middle school students will attend classes remotely, as they did Tuesday.

Renovations to the high school are expected to be completed the week of Jan. 17 and the building is expected to reopen during the week of Jan. 24.

“We hope this slow transition together at OMS will help in the healing process and ease our high school students back in a familiar academic setting,” the district said in a statement about returning to classroom instruction. 

On Thursday, Oxford school officials reported an 88% attendance rate for high school students.

“It was absolutely electric in the hallways. It was amazing,” said Jill Lemond, assistant superintendent of student services.

Ethan Crumbley, 15, who was a sophomore at the high school, faces murder and terrorism charges in connection with the incident. His parents, James and Jennifer, each face four charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the shootings.

Last week, Ethan Crumbley waived hearings in his case and will proceed to trial. His parents on Friday lost their bid to have bond lowered. They face a preliminary examination next month.

lfleming@detroitnews.com