Bend, Ore. – In a compassionate response to the tragic mass shooting at Silver Rail Elementary a week ago, Bend‑La Pine Schools announced Thursday that the school will remain closed through next week, Oct. 26‑30. The district emphasized that the decision prioritizes the safety and healing of students, families, and staff.
Return‑to‑learning plan in development
District leaders said they are actively consulting with Silver Rail teachers, parents, and community partners to craft a “return‑to‑learning” plan that meets the needs of grieving families while restoring a secure educational environment. “Our district and school leaders are in conversations with Silver Rail staff and families about what a return‑to‑learning plan looks like for students,” the announcement read.
Child‑care options for affected families
To ease the burden on families during the extended closure, the Boys and Girls Club has opened 150 additional child‑care slots for Silver Rail families. The program runs weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., offering a safe space for children while parents arrange work or other responsibilities. Details are available on the Silver Rail Family Information page linked from the district’s Community Information Hub.
Law‑enforcement partnership continues
The district also highlighted the vital role of local law‑enforcement partners. On Wednesday, officers from the Bend Police Department and deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office provided a visible presence at each of the district’s 32 schools during the brief return‑to‑school effort. While that specific deployment was limited to Wednesday, the district announced an increased, rotating presence of eight School Resource Officers throughout the neighborhoods surrounding the schools moving forward.
“We cannot express our gratitude to our law‑enforcement agencies enough for all of the support they have given to our students, families and staff in the last week,” the district statement said. “We understand that due to staffing needs they cannot have an officer present at every school every day, but they remain committed to protecting and serving our greater Bend and La Pine communities.”
Community response
Local parents and faith‑based groups have rallied around the school community, offering prayers, meals, and counseling services. Many have praised the district’s transparent communication and the partnership with law‑enforcement, noting that a strong, faith‑centered response helps restore confidence in public institutions.
While the closure extends the disruption to the academic calendar, district officials assure that instructional time will be recovered through virtual lessons, extended school days later in the year, and targeted tutoring for affected students.
Looking ahead
The district plans to hold a town‑hall meeting next month to gather further input from families and community leaders on the reopening timeline and safety protocols. In the meantime, the district urges residents to stay informed via the Silver Rail Community Information Hub and to support one another as the community continues to heal.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
