Triton Threats Discussed
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Julie Harvey-
Concerned parents and students wanted answers to their questions regarding the recent barrage of threatening letters found at the junior-senior high school.
The original letter was found in the restroom Nov. 4 and contained a reference to killing people Nov. 19.[[In-content Ad]]Superintendent Carl Hilling immediately addressed the issue and sent a letter regarding the incident to parents informing them of the letter, and assuring them that the school was taking all precautions to ensure the safety of the students.
Monday, Hilling had to send another letter to parents informing them that another written message in the girl's bathroom was found referencing the Nov. 19 threat, and a subsequent letter with a bomb threat.
Distraught parent Al Kern initiated the discussion with, "What's being done?" Kris Glingle kept order by allowing five random questions, and keeping the time limit to three minutes. Some suggested that the school implement metal detectors and searches at the entrances, and that K-9 bomb-detecting units should be present at the school.
Hilling was vague in his details of exactly what the school was doing. He stated this is an ongoing investigation. In order not hinder the investigation by divulging too much information, he asked that parents trust that the school is implementing every possible safety precaution, including working with state and local police agencies, as well as a security camera company.
Deb Shively fielded attacks that insinuated the board was not empathetic to the situation by saying, "I have four children in this school system and my children all will be in school on that day. Trust what I say, I am sending my children to school."
Students Sarah Riddle and Bethany Kern voiced their concerns that some of the teachers are not abiding by the established policies regarding students roaming the halls, or going to the bathroom, and during this time it is frightening to see kids wandering around.
Serviceman Ted Groves, who will be going to Baghdad in the near future, expressed the need to be proactive and to implement these new measures before the 19th, by training individuals to use metal detectors etc.
Some parents referenced this as a likeness to the Columbine shooting. Hilling quickly dispelled that stating that the school is not at all like Columbine. Parents have been informed from the onset of this, where in Columbine they were not. Hilling added that, "We are proactive not reactive."
Robin Riddle acknowledged the board was doing all that they could in the situation, and stated that no one can guarantee safety at every moment. She asked if students did stay home on that day, would the school allow students to make up work, and not be considered an unexcused absence. Music director Pete Foster responded that the teachers would allow for make-up work.
The board agreed that all measures and already implemented policies will be adhered to, and the safety of the community is their number one priority.
Brett Nordman led the group in a prayer asking God to protect the community in this time of chaos.
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Concerned parents and students wanted answers to their questions regarding the recent barrage of threatening letters found at the junior-senior high school.
The original letter was found in the restroom Nov. 4 and contained a reference to killing people Nov. 19.[[In-content Ad]]Superintendent Carl Hilling immediately addressed the issue and sent a letter regarding the incident to parents informing them of the letter, and assuring them that the school was taking all precautions to ensure the safety of the students.
Monday, Hilling had to send another letter to parents informing them that another written message in the girl's bathroom was found referencing the Nov. 19 threat, and a subsequent letter with a bomb threat.
Distraught parent Al Kern initiated the discussion with, "What's being done?" Kris Glingle kept order by allowing five random questions, and keeping the time limit to three minutes. Some suggested that the school implement metal detectors and searches at the entrances, and that K-9 bomb-detecting units should be present at the school.
Hilling was vague in his details of exactly what the school was doing. He stated this is an ongoing investigation. In order not hinder the investigation by divulging too much information, he asked that parents trust that the school is implementing every possible safety precaution, including working with state and local police agencies, as well as a security camera company.
Deb Shively fielded attacks that insinuated the board was not empathetic to the situation by saying, "I have four children in this school system and my children all will be in school on that day. Trust what I say, I am sending my children to school."
Students Sarah Riddle and Bethany Kern voiced their concerns that some of the teachers are not abiding by the established policies regarding students roaming the halls, or going to the bathroom, and during this time it is frightening to see kids wandering around.
Serviceman Ted Groves, who will be going to Baghdad in the near future, expressed the need to be proactive and to implement these new measures before the 19th, by training individuals to use metal detectors etc.
Some parents referenced this as a likeness to the Columbine shooting. Hilling quickly dispelled that stating that the school is not at all like Columbine. Parents have been informed from the onset of this, where in Columbine they were not. Hilling added that, "We are proactive not reactive."
Robin Riddle acknowledged the board was doing all that they could in the situation, and stated that no one can guarantee safety at every moment. She asked if students did stay home on that day, would the school allow students to make up work, and not be considered an unexcused absence. Music director Pete Foster responded that the teachers would allow for make-up work.
The board agreed that all measures and already implemented policies will be adhered to, and the safety of the community is their number one priority.
Brett Nordman led the group in a prayer asking God to protect the community in this time of chaos.
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