EVERGREEN, Colo. (KDVR) Students at Evergreen High School in Colorado are taking their first steps back onto campus just over two weeks after a shooting that left the community shaken.

Senior Sylvia Howell said the return will be filled with hugs, tears and a shared sense of healing.

“I think there’s going to be a lot of hugs, maybe some tears, which has been kind of the story of the last few weeks,” Howell said.

The Jefferson County School District is staggering the reopening to support students and staff.

• Monday: Staff returned to prepare classrooms.
• Early this week: Parent information sessions held.
• Thursday and Friday: Optional half days welcome students back for the first time.

Howell said she plans to be there. “I think it’s important we get back because … to come together as a whole grade and as a whole school will be really important just to see everyone.”

She added that the memories of that day remain vivid.

“As a kid who was in the school when it happened, I just think it will be really important to take it slow. And I love the way our administration is working to just slowly let us come at our own pace,” Howell said.

District leaders say the gradual plan includes extra counselors, mental-health events and continued open communication. Howell believes the school’s spirit can return in time.

“I think it might take a minute and a different pace for every student, and every grade, but I think we can get back there again.”

School officials emphasize that the focus remains on giving students space to heal while steadily moving back to a normal routine.