Students back in class at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Students and faculty return to Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School on Thursday, two days after the death of one of two students who were stabbed.
A 14-year-old is accused of stabbing the students during a fight Monday morning. Both students were taken to the hospital where 15-year-old Delvin Ferrell later died, his mother confirmed to ABC11. The other student survived and has since been released from the hospital.
Classes were canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Wake County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor called the violence unacceptable and vowed to review the school district's policies and processes. Monday's deadly stabbing was discussed during a school board meeting Tuesday afternoon.
Parents expressed outrage and concern for their children who attend the high school and the traumatic event they witnessed.
WCPSS said it would have counselors on hand for students and staff.
Wednesday night Delvin Ferrell's family and friends held a balloon release in his honor. Ferrell's family was joined by the 16-year-old student who was also stabbed but is expected to recover. There were a lot of tears, especially from the young people who showed up with their red and black balloons.
Dexter Ferrell, Delvin's grieving father, spoke with ABC11 about the devastating loss of his child,
"I'm feeling disbelief. Just devastated really to lose a child at 15 years old is unimaginable, you know?" Ferrell said. "I can't imagine losing my son at 15 years old. I sent him to school thinking school is a safer place. I'm sending him to school thinking he will return back home, and unfortunately, he didn't."
Ferrell disagreed with the decision to resume classes on Thursday.
"They should just close for the rest of the week," he said. "You know, I'm saying give people time to grieve and give them time to get everything in place. And just start with a fresh start on Monday.
Ferrell wasn't the only parent who felt that the pain was still fresh. Christina Toliver also agreed. She kept her daughter home from school Thursday.
" For her , it was more like I don't really want to be in an environment where everything just happened. Again." Toliver said.
Parents and their students are all on edge.
"They're hurting, they are so afraid," said Dr. Shonte Freserixk, with Frederick Christian Counseling. "Most of the children that we're seeing, are afraid to go back to school, they're having a hard time sleeping and coping."
Dr. Frederick was joined by her husband and partner Dr. David Frederick. The two immediately stepped in to work with affected families. They offered their services free of charge on Monday following the tragedy at the high school.
The couple explained what parents are also going through.
"They don't even want to go back to work, because they want to be to stay in contact with their children," they said.
Parents concerns are justified when you look at the incidents, just this week. Since Monday's tragedy there have been at least four reported instances from drugs, loaded guns, and knives were all recovered at high schools in Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Durham, and Lumberton.
Dr. Federick said it's a combination of showing off and being scared.
"We're also hearing, that the way to handle it is trending is bringing a weapon, and standing your ground," she said. "There's a quote that's been going on about standing on your business. And so yeah, that's what their children are saying that they're standing on their business."
The Fredericks are offering two free group counseling sessions on Saturday from noon to 1:00 p.m. and 3 pm to 4 p.m.
You can call (919) 280-7915 to reserve a spot or visit www.cltfcc.org to find out more
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