BARRETT TOWNSHIP -- As the search for the man suspected of killing a state trooper continues, students in a school district in the search area returned to classes.
Students missed three days of classes last week, and one this week but after consulting with police, administrators in the Pocono Mountain School District decided schools should reopen on Tuesday.
Pocono Mountain covers Barrett Township, the same area around Canadensis where police are searching for Eric Frein, the man who allegedly shot two state troopers outside the Blooming Grove barracks September 12.
School district officials are confident their buildings are safe for students.
"I think the students and teachers are fine. Some of our parents are glad the children are coming back to school, but they're nervous," said school district spokesperson Wendy Frable.
To calm those nerves, the district has extra police and school resource officers on hand. All students will remain indoors during the school day, and all school athletic practices will be indoors. There will be no home athletic competitions scheduled.
Also, school buses are not running to Barrett Township, the area closest to the search.
Absences are excused, and they will not count against a student's perfect attendance.
"It's always the parents' right and decision on whether or not they choose to send their students to school in a situation like this," Frable added.
Frable also said they will be in constant contact with police, and if the situation changes, if the district feels there's a threat, schools in the Pocono Mountain School District will be closed.