Grief counselors, victim representatives and other professionals will at Rangeview and Hinkley high schools through the weekend.
According to statements from Aurora Public Schools, sites across the district will remain open as makeshift disaster resource centers over the weekend, following shootings at the Century Aurora 16 theater Thursday night.
According to the district, Hinkley High School at 1250 Chambers Road and Rangeview High School at 17599 E. Iliff Ave will remain open until 4 p.m. on Saturday as Disaster Resources and Recovery Centers. Rangeview will be open from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The schools will host grief counselors to work with victims, their families and friends, and community members. The district insisted that they’ll insure the privacy of those who visit the sites.
APS facilities have already played a crucial role in the wake of the tragedy. Immediately after the shooting in the early morning hours of July 20, Gateway High School became a makeshift disaster center for victims, friends and family.
APS Superintendent John Barry responded directly and immediately to the shootings that claimed 12 lives and injured 58 on the district’s website, stating “Our community has been changed because of the horrible shooting that happened in the city of Aurora early this morning at a movie theater. Our hearts go out to those impacted and to our entire community,” Barry wrote. “I am confident that together, we in the Aurora community will support each other during this difficult time.”
On Saturday, Aurora Central High school was open as a shelter for residents living near the apartment of alleged shooter James Holmes in north Aurora. The school on East 11th Avenue will offer residents from the immediate vicinity of the apartment on 17th Avenue cots, blankets, hygiene kits, mental health workers, health workers, shelter staff and food during the extended evacuation.