Houston-area students support Uvalde survivors for first day back to school since tragedy

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Tuesday is the first day back to school for Uvalde CISD after 19 students and two teachers were killed in a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School more than three months ago.

To stand in solidarity with students on their first day back to school after the tragedy, Houston-area students and teachers are wearing maroon and white -- the school district's colors.

"It was a tragedy. It's hard to talk about. I'm sending my love and my prayers to students, and the parents, and the staff as they go back on the first day," Corena Cross, a parent at Houston ISD's Herod Elementary, said.
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Students and staff at Alief ISD, Friendswood, Tomball and Deer Park and more are all being encouraged to participate.

"I think it's great. I think all parents have this on their mind, so if there is something we can do to make it a little nicer, I don't see why not," Michael Rosenhouse said.

Since the mass shooting in May, changes have been made to security across Uvalde CISD.



For example, DPS troopers will now be stationed outside schools.

SEE ALSO: Months after Uvalde, Texas shooting, 'meet-the-teacher' night shows security improvements vary


Two campuses now have 8-foot fences around the perimeters -- though the plan is to eventually fence off all the schools.

Students at Robb Elementary will not be returning to campus. The school is set to be demolished.
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The survivors will instead attend different schools across the district.

Some say the changes are simply not enough and feel as though the schools are still not secure.

READ MORE: Senator says not enough has been done ahead of new school year in Uvalde following tragedy


"One of the questions that the families have is -- the DPS workers that are going to be there -- Are those the same ones that were at the school that day? We can't get an answer," said Adam Martinez, a parent of Uvalde CISD students. "They won't give us an answer whether it's going to be the same people. The same school resource officers that were, they're going to be there on campus too."



Some Uvalde CISD students chose to attend school virtually this year because of lingering fear over school safety.

"I would make sure they stay home and get home schooled, or do something. But not until the campuses are secure or safe should anyone -- not even the -- teachers be allowed to come back," a Uvalde resident said.

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