Students return to Abundant Life Christian School in Madison less than a month after tragic shooting

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Students and staff at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison had their first day back at school on Friday, Jan. 10, less than one month after a student shot and killed another student, a teacher, and herself.

The school has seen an outpouring of support since the tragedy on Dec. 16.

The sign outside their building reads "THANK YOU MADISON."

Therapy dogs were outside the building at dismissal Friday, bringing comfort to students, staff and families.

Principal Doug Butler posted a video message to ALCS social media Thursday night.

He said the Department of Justice's Office of School Safety has been helping them through this transition back to the classroom.

A DOJ spokesperson told CBS 58, the OSS director Trish Kiplin was at the school today meeting with students and staff.

"It will feel different, it will look different, it is different. There are security changes both seen and unseen," Principal Butler said. "We've also been trained to offer trauma-informed care to our students and to recognize trauma in ourselves."

CBS 58 saw security vehicles and a Madison Police vehicle in the school's parking lot Friday.

"We know that god is our strength, and he will get us through this," Butler said. "We will move forward day by day, back together, finding strength together."

Click here to watch the full video message.