Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for April 20, 2006 MASSAC COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL RUMOR

From the WPSD TV Channel 6 web site...

IL: Kids Say Rumor Spreading About Columbine Copy Cat

Anna Prendergast,
WPSD NewsChannel 6 It's no surprise that kids can start rumors.

But some parents say the threat flying around Massac County High School about a Columbine copy cat is too disturbing to ignore.

Some parents including are keeping their kids home from school. We are not releasing her name to protect the identity of her teenage son.

Mother, "He said I've had this boy coming to me over and over telling us that there will be shooting at the school on Thursday."

School officials have known about the threat since December, and notified police and teachers, but did not tell parents.

Angela Farmer the assistant superintendent says parents weren't notified because the investigation concluded that the threat was not credible.

Angela Farmer, "There's been no indication of foul play what so ever."

But parents say school shootings in the past make the rumor to scary to chance.

Mother, "It's the parents choice whether they want to put their child in danger. You have a bomb threat and empty the building why not the same with this."

The school says even though police haven't found evidence that the threat is true they are still taking action. Police searched the school with dogs Wednesday and will be at the school Thursday.

As for the schools principle he says his two kids will be in class.

And Farmer doesn't think the threat is anymore than a rumor.

If you had kids that went to that school would you send them tomorrow?

Angela Farmer, "Absolutely I have a child that goes to the building next door he'll be there."

School officials say it's up to the parents whether their child will be in school Thursday. If parents call the absence will count as excused.