Lewiston school district leaders will be spending the next three weeks easing local students back to classes, building in plenty of time for counseling and self-care, according to documents released yesterday.

“Please know we consulted others, gathered research, relied on our experience and built the transition back to school plan to ensure we care for those that will care for our most vulnerable,” Superintendent Jake Langlais said in materials released related to the district’s reopening plan.

Schools throughout the district have been on lockdown since 7:25 p.m. Wednesday, after Langlais learned that Robert Card, 40, had gone on a shooting rampage at the Just-In-Time bowling alley and Schmenegee’s Bar and Grille, killing 18 people.

Now, according to messages from Langlais released throughout the weekend, schools are working on transitioning back to routine classes.  

Monday, Oct. 30, he said, will be for staff only. 

“This approach allows for gradual re-establishment of routine. Space for staff and families to stay connected to their well-being and grieving,” Langlais wrote.

According to a schedule Langlais published with the messages, the school day this week will feature “intentionally light schedule, reflection time, and just gathering.”

Next week, according to the schedule, regular school days will include “slowly increasing academic engagement and routines,” with the following week featuring mostly normal school days. 

Wednesdays for the next three weeks, November 1, 8 and 15, will be early-release days. According to Langlais, the purpose is “to keep a pulse on how everyone is doing and provide support.  

There will not be a professional learning agenda but adult support where needed.” There will also be an early release day on Friday, Nov. 3. There will be no school on Friday, Nov. 10, in observance of Veterans Day.

The plan, Langlais said, focuses on “the power of routine to re-establish a sense of normalcy.”  

He said the district will also make a conscious effort not to rush the grieving process and give people space when they need it.

For those with questions about the plan, Langlais said the district will hold an electronic interactive meeting Monday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. at the Longley School on Birch Street, where anyone could ask questions about the plan. Langlais promised to follow up with details on how to connect.