By: Las Vegas Now Staff
Clark County School Superintendent Walt Rulffes said the shooting begs the question of whether schools are safe. He said he believes they are still the safest place for children but there needs to be more parent and community involvement in what children are doing.
Rulffes, Clark County Sheriff Doug Gillespie and the school principal addressed the media asking for the public to be more involved in their schools, especially parents. They say parents need to be involved in their kid's activites and friends and need to talk daily with their children about what is going on in their lives. They are also encouraging students to talk with school officials.
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Fifteen-year-old Christopher Privett was shot in the chest as he walked home from school on Friday. A sophomore has been arrested in the murder. He appeared in court this morning. It was an emotional first appearance as the boy and his family cried. Police say they still do not have a motive and it appears this is a random act. The gun has not been recovered.
For the first time since the shooting, students on their way to school Tuesday morning, passed the site of where Privett was shot. The site has become a growing memorial of flowers and candles.
“Really sad, I couldn't imagine what it would be like to be here after school when it happened,” said Amanda, a Palo Verde student. She was one of many who brought flowers and wore a white shirt to remember their former classmate. “He is in a better place now,” she said.
Some parents, for the first time, are wondering if their children are safe. “I am very afraid for my daughter and I am already thinking of changing schools,” said Rose Novak, Palo Verde parent.
Heavy security greeted students at the school. There were seven extra school police officers and three Metro officers patrolling campus. Grief counselors are also on hand for students who wish to talk about the incident. School officials say attendance is normal.
“This is the world we live in. This stuff happens,” said Julie Chaffin, Palo Verde parent.
Privett's funeral is Thursday from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Palm Mortuary at Buffalo and Cheyenne. The visitation will be Thursday afternoon from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
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