So today was the first day back after learning of the murder of our co-worker. It was ... hard and sad and different and yet in a way a normal Monday. Our principal dismissed the preschool kids after morning prayer, and then made an announcement about what happened (though she didn't say "murdered" just that he'd died - which was a prudent choice given that she was talking to K-8th kids.)

A couple of my journalism students were supposed to go over to the preschool today to take pictures for the yearbook.I talked to Sr. (preschool director) and asked if she'd rather just me come over, or to wait til Wednesday. She asked if I'd just come over, because preschool was canceled for the rest of the week. I did go over and got some really cute pictures of the kids, but the vibe I got from the teachers was just total shock and heartbrokenenss. They;d worked as a team for at least 9 or more years.

After school we had a staff meeting where we found out that the funeral will probably be on Thursday, and if it is, school will be canceled so anyone who wants to go can. We also found out that a suspect(s?) have been apprehended, and that it might be a federal case due to possibly having occurred on the rez (although his body was found off rez in big G - so not sure what that means.) The Nav Nation president (who has a daughter in our pre-school) came and spoke to us at length about the whole situation.

As we were all leaving, the PE teacher expressed that he just doesn't feel safe here anymore. I thought that was interesting because I kind of have that same feeling.

Just a sad, sad situation.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers. This is especially difficult for our NA staff - most of whom have been here for many, many years.