[Vision2020] Threatening notes found at Moscow's Russell Elementary

[Sunil]

Paul,

I don't think it's an overreaction on the school's part, and I don't think it's simply the administration protecting their own jobs. Unlikely as it is that the threat was real, students and adults have done horrendous things in our schools and administrators have to take these matters seriously.

I agree with you that the student who did this likely needs help and didn't anticipate how badly this can turn out. Children especially have a hard time understanding consequences. That's why I disagree with Tom when he says,

"I am suggesting that, once the child who wrote those
 threats is identified, (s)he is punished sufficiently, allowing the 
imposed punishment to become public knowledge (without identifying the 
child), as to prevent a reoccurrence."

I understand that people will want to punish the child, whose identity WILL soon be known by all if he or she is found and prosecuted or punished. I don't think the prosecution and punishment will do much to prevent a recurrence. People who act impulsively, particularly children, do not usually take consequences into account.

Sunil

From: moscowcares at moscow.com
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2015 14:52:51 -0800
To: paul.rumelhart at gmail.com
CC: vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Threatening notes found at Moscow's Russell	Elementary

Mr. Rumelhart . . .
I am not talking about "putting up the metal detectors". 
I am suggesting that, once the child who wrote those threats is identified, (s)he is punished sufficiently, allowing the imposed punishment to become public knowledge (without identifying the child), as to prevent a reoccurrence.
Inappropriate behavior should not be tolerated.  
Parents are already having a tough-enough problem lecturing to their offspring that cheaters never prosper (what with deflated footballs and the wide use of steroids in Major League Baseball).
Ya pickin' up what I'm layin' down now?

Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .
"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)http://www.MoscowCares.com  Tom HansenMoscow, Idaho
"There's room at the top they are telling you still.But first you must learn how to smile as you kill,If you want to be like the folks on the hill."
- John Lennon  
On Feb 3, 2015, at 2:24 PM, Paul Rumelhart <paul.rumelhart at gmail.com> wrote:

It's far more likely that the child in question, whoever it is, used that particular threat because they knew it made the grownups shit their drawers and because they didn't foresee the veritable shitstorm that was about to descend upon them because of it.  Sure, it's possible that there is some fourth grader polishing their AR-15 right now, thinking about how much ammo to bring tomorrow, but I doubt it.  Stranger things have happened, I suppose.

I do hope they find out who it was.  It sounds like he or she could use some help.

I guess the officials at the school had to do something or they would lose their jobs if the kid did bring a weapon to school.  I'm just hoping that we wait a tic before we put up the metal detectors.

Paul

On Tue, Feb 3, 2015 at 2:07 PM, Tom Hansen <thansen at moscow.com> wrote:
So, Mr. Rumelhart . . .
You are willing to write this off as a joke akin to "political correctness"?  When does a "joke" end?  
When these same kids follow-up these threats with taking their toy guns to school?  
When these same kids follow-up these threats with taking their parents' real guns to school?  
When another student is accidentally shot when these same kids follow-up these threats with taking their parents' real guns to school?  
Perhaps then we will realize that something should have been done back when "meaningless" threats were made on paper.
Right, Mr. Rumelhart?

Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .
"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)http://www.MoscowCares.com  Tom HansenMoscow, Idaho
"There's room at the top they are telling you still.But first you must learn how to smile as you kill,If you want to be like the folks on the hill."
- John Lennon  
On Feb 3, 2015, at 1:53 PM, Paul Rumelhart <paul.rumelhart at gmail.com> wrote:

Well, I guess the kids need to learn about political correctness and overreaction by authorities at some point in their lives.  Might as well be now.

Paul

On Tue, Feb 3, 2015 at 11:46 AM, Tom Hansen <thansen at moscow.com> wrote:
Courtesy of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.
---------------------------------------Threatening notes found at Moscow's Russell Elementary; school on 'modified lockdown'Russell Elementary School in Moscow is on modified lockdown today after school officials were made aware of handwritten notes found Monday threatening harm to others at the school.“From the handwriting and content we believe it was a student,” Moscow School District Superintendent Greg Bailey said.Bailey said the writer allegedly threatened to bring a weapon to school because he or she hates school and reading. Teachers assembled after classes Monday to examine the note and try to identify the penmanship, Bailey said.He said the Moscow Police Department spoke to a few students and their families but were unable to make a determination.The modified lockdown at Russell consists of exterior doors being locked during school hours and when children are outside and placing extra support staff with students.Bailey said three plainclothes detectives and some police officers will keep an increased presence at the school in the meantime.Lt. Dave Lehmitz said the investigation is continuing and police and school officials will assess the possibility of continued precautions as the day goes on.“We hope anyone with information will contact the Moscow Police Department,” Lehmitz said. “First and foremost is the safety of children and staff.To provide information to the police about this situation, call (208) 882-COPS.---------------------------------------

Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .
"Moscow Cares"http://www.MoscowCares.com  Tom HansenMoscow, Idaho 
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=======================================================
 List services made available by First Step Internet,
 serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
               http://www.fsr.net
          mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
=======================================================
=======================================================
 List services made available by First Step Internet,
 serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
               http://www.fsr.net
          mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
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