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STEM School Highlands Ranch closed for the rest of the week

STEM School Highlands Ranch will remain closed through the rest of the week following a deadly shooting on campus.

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — STEM School Highlands Ranch will remain closed through the rest of the week following a deadly shooting on campus. Friday was supposed to be the last day of school for seniors. 

Kendrick Castillo was killed in the shooting, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. Family members of Castillo, 18, confirmed to NBC News that he was about to graduate.

The Douglas County School District made the announcement shuttering STEM for the rest of the week Tuesday night, adding that all other schools will be open with added security. Local law enforcement will assist with extra patrols.

Despite the closure, district officials have made a crisis support center available to all STEM staff members, students and their families. The district's crisis team will be at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

RELATED: Suspect in STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting will be held without bond until next court appearance

"We are seeking new or gently used blankets for STEM staff, families and students who visit our Crisis Support Center tomorrow. If you have any to donate, please drop them off at Douglas County School District, 620 Wilcox Street in Castle Rock [between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 8]," they tweeted.

All other DCSD schools will have additional support on site, as well.

"We are a united family. We are here to support everyone - students, parents and staff - and will continue to do so as long as needed. Together, we will get through this difficult time," the district said in a news release.

Eight others were injured and taken to nearby hospitals. Three of them remain in the hospital.

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Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said two shooters, both of whom are in custody, opened fire just before 2 p.m. in two separate parts of the school. Spurlock said the campus does not have a dedicated school resource officer, and instead contracted out its security. 

RELATED: Suspect in STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting identified

STEM School Highlands Ranch is a K-12 charter academy focused on science, technology, engineering and math education. More than 1,850 students attend the school.

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