Noblesville West Middle School students, along with the rest of the Noblesville schools district, returned to school today after a two-month summer break and just 67 days after a shooting at NWMS that left one student and one teacher injured.
Outside of West Middle School on Hague Road, the school’s intercom system was projected. Students were led in a recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a welcome-back message from Principal Stacey Swan.
Students returned to an increased police presence at all schools and additional counselors and therapy dogs at West Middle School.
On May 25, David Moore, 13, a student at the school at the time, allegedly opened fire in the seventh grade science classroom of Jason Seaman. A fellow student, Ella Whistler, was shot first, seven times. Seaman is credited for stopping the shooting by tackling the shooter and, in the process, was shot three times.
Both Seaman and Whistler returned to school today.
Moore is being held in the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center, awaiting two days of fact-finding hearings scheduled for Sept. 10 and 11 at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center.
The district alerted media last week it would not be allowing any media on school grounds for the first day back, granting the request of students and staff to get back to a normal routine and school day.
Principal Swan is expected to give a report on how the first day back to school went for students and staff this afternoon.
This story will be updated.
