​BUFFALO, N.Y. — ​McKinley High School officials revealed their Climate and Culture Reset Plans for returning to school grounds Saturday.

This comes after the tragic stabbing and shooting that occurred at the high school earlier this month.

School officials have been developing a plan to integrate their students back into the building safely and with as much support as possible.

“This new phase and plan is really the best plan that doesn’t feel rushed," said new McKinley High Principal Moustafa Khalil. "We’re not putting a bunch of kids into the building and seeing what we can do with one cohort. We’re able to test out our policies, our procedures and make tweaks as we go while we’re catching feedback.”

The plan is described as a ‘living document that will continue to evolve over the coming days and weeks.’ In that time, district officials will listen to feedback from partners in the community and learn from their experiences as they go.

As of now, McKinley is planning a slow, phased return for students starting March 1 with only one grade attending in-person classes per day -- seniors on Tuesday, juniors Wednesday, sophomores Thursday and freshmen on Friday. They’ll repeat that schedule through the second week of March until all students return to the building on Friday, March 11.

There will also be increased safety measures, with all students being subject to metal detector wands upon entry and increased police presence outside of the school. The school is being careful not to increase anxiety among students with these added measures, as the plan is to secure the school, not harden it.

“This is not the plan that I want for years down the line. These added security protocols are for the time being so that everybody feels safe—parents, students, and all of our staff in our building," Khalil said. He further explained that with feedback from parents and stakeholders, the school will begin removing some of its safety measures.

Khalil led a tour of McKinley, showcasing some of the building’s top programs and facilities and introducing a new ‘Vibe Room’ meant to de-escalate students. The room includes ambient lighting, posters featuring help with effective communication strategy and a food and clothing pantry which serve to address social factors that may contribute to aggression in some students—an effort of the school to meet needs through observation.

“It’s more of that private, ‘keep a lookout.’ All of our teachers are vigilant in making sure if the kids need clothing or need come down and get something to eat, they know they can use this room,” Khalil said.

The principal expressed how he is looking forward to serving the high school in his new role and he emphasized the importance of the community's cooperation with the reintegration plan.

"To my young scholars and my parents and guardians, I truly can't wait to meet you in due time," Khalil said. "I appreciate all the patience thus far with all these return-to-school date changes. I want to stress, we only have one opportunity to get this right and it is the responsible thing to do. We want to do right by all of you. We are McKinley strong."