FRIENDS of FREEMAN

COEUR d'ALENE — Coeur d'Alene High is sending its love and support 29 miles to Freeman High.

CHS students and staff on Thursday wrote comforting messages on powder-blue hearts, matching Freeman's primary school color. They were attached to a poster that will be delivered to the school across the state line.

The support comes after Wednesday's tragedy in which a 15-year-old Freeman student allegedly opened fire at the Washington school, killing a classmate of the same age and injuring three others before being arrested.

"When an event like this happens, it's obviously concerning but it's even more concerning when it's in your backyard," said CHS principal Troy Schueller.

"We're trying to show Freeman that this is bigger than them. We're staying united. Whenever their students come back, they'll have a nice welcome from our school and I'm sure others."

From the administrations of both schools to the students, there are many connections.

Schueller is close to Randy Russell, who is Freeman's superintendent and a former principal at CHS. Harry Amend, former Coeur d'Alene School District superintendent, is Freeman's principal.

Several CHS students are friends with those from Freeman through sports, clubs and other activities.

"It's a very small world," Schueller said.

Schueller went to Freeman High on Wednesday and Thursday to comfort administrators there.

"We care about them," Schueller said softly. "I know that if our roles were reversed, Randy would would be one of the first ones here."

Some CHS students personalized their notes by writing directly to Freeman students they know. Others have older siblings who attended CHS and knew Russell when he was principal at Coeur d'Alene six years ago.

CHS senior Emily Kladar said she wrote Coeur d'Alene students are praying for Freeman.

"My mom has been in contact with parents over there," Kladar, a volleyball player, said.

Senior Delaney Schmidt said she encouraged Freeman students to stay strong. She wrote they are in the hearts of CHS students.

Senior Colson Yankoff said the support was to show unity.

"We're all in this together," he said. "Our hearts and prayers go out to them. We're trying to make any effort we can to console and help."

Schueller said the mood at CHS on Thursday was somber in the aftermath of the tragedy, but several students asked what could be done to reach out to Freeman. Other ideas will also be explored.

Schueller said CHS students were told if they need support to cope with the tragedy, staff would be available to help.

Schools are required to conduct safety and evacuation drills within the first 10 days of school — no exceptions — but some, including Coeur d'Alene, are now weighing the best time to perform them to meet that standard, especially since Wednesday's tragedy is so fresh, Schueller said.

"We've postponed ours until I can get in contact with our families," Schueller said. "We don't want kids to have anxiety."