I am a student at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. Recently, our school community was devastated by a horrific shooting. The pain, sorrow and fear we are feeling is unimaginable. It's too soon for us to go back to classes - we need time to grieve, to heal, to regain our strength and composure which 2 days is not enough time to do so.

The impact of such tragedies on a student's mental health is profound. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, exposure to a traumatic event can greatly increase a young person's risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety disorders. It's not just the ones directly involved in the event - everyone in the school. Being pushed back into the normal routine abruptly can drastically escalate these risks.

Therefore, we are asking the school and district officials to prolong the break from our academic activities. We are not seeking an indefinite break - just enough time to start regaining our mental and physical energies. An extended break can provide all of us, especially those directly affected, a much-needed time for counseling, family support and individual healing.

Let's stand together for our right to heal. Let's tell the school and district officials that we need some more time. Please sign this petition for an extended break for Apalachee High School students following the recent tragic shooting.