Silver Rail Reopening: Parent-led fund supports students ahead of return
A nonprofit has raised over $35,000 to fund tutoring and outings for survivors of the October 15 shooting as the school prepares to open its doors again.
By Emmanuel Obasi ·
Bend-La Pine Schools will reopen Silver Rail Elementary School on November 12, ending a two-week closure following the October 15 shooting. The district announced the date as parents prepare to return their children to classrooms that have not yet received the security upgrades many requested.
Nicole Ybarrondo, whose first-grader and fourth-grader were in the building during the attack, launched the Silver Rail Children’s Fund eight days after the incident. The grassroots nonprofit has raised more than $35,000 from local individuals and businesses. The funds are designated specifically for survivors, families of victims, and school staff, covering costs such as outings and educational services.
The fund was created to address gaps in existing support structures. Ybarrondo explained that community donations initially flowed to general school accounts, which bylaws restricted to district-wide use rather than specific families. After learning this, she established a parent-led entity to ensure money reached those directly affected.
The first major event funded by the nonprofit was a visit to a local pumpkin patch. Organizers secured a pledge from a local business to cover staffing costs, allowing more than 340 students, families, and staff to attend. The event included adjustments like turning off the shooting gallery to accommodate students' sensitivities.
Academic support is now a primary focus for the fund. Ybarrondo cited research indicating that children who witness school shootings often experience lower grades and a reduced likelihood of graduating high school. The organization is currently coordinating with local tutors in Bend to provide private instruction and after-school intervention programs. This support extends to families who have relocated or moved to homeschooling.
Parents are making individual decisions about sending their children back. Ybarrondo stated that her daughter chose to return, viewing the shared experience as a form of healing. Her six-year-old son has expressed hesitation, noting that he dislikes the frequent fire drills at the school.
At a recent parent meeting, district leaders indicated they lacked the funds to implement all requested security measures. Parents were advised to form a political action committee to seek additional funding. Ybarrondo acknowledged the district's existing staffing challenges but expressed concern over the school's original lack of bullet-resistant film on windows.
The district is scheduled to welcome students back on Thursday, November 12. The fund plans to continue supporting students academically and socially for as long as resources allow, focusing on the specific needs of those who were in the building during the shooting.
Ybarrondo noted that the shooter, a 16-year-old former student, had been in a "very dark place" before the incident. She emphasized the fund's goal of identifying students who need extra support or mentorship to prevent similar situations in the future.
