So what is being done about THIS? (threat of violence in graffiti found in Columbia High School parking lot)

(sorry if this is already being discussed): http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2018/02/police_investigating_violent_graffiti_at_high_scho.html#incart_river_home

- Alex

Here's the message sent out from CHS (below). Not to be completely alarmist, but how can we truly know (as it says) that there is no imminent threat, and that the school should just go on operating normally?:

"Dear CHS Families,

Early this morning, as they arrived to school, students saw and reported the presence of painted graffiti in the student parking lot on West Parker.  The graffiti referenced a gun and indicated the potential for violence and/or student self-harm. 

CHS staff immediately contacted the Maplewood Police Department, which began an investigation.  The Police Department quickly determined that there was no imminent or specific threat to students or staff, and cleared the high school to operate normally.

Maplewood Police Department has maintained a presence at CHS throughout the day as they continue the investigation.  Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Maplewood Police Department at 973-762-3400. 

If you believe your child is exhibiting signs of undue stress or anxiety, please contact a mental health provider.  You or your child can also contact one of our Student Assistance Counselors:

Michael Loupis (grades 9&10) at 973-762-5600 ext. 1044
Judy Cohen (grades 11&12) at 973-762-5600 ext. 1043

As always, student and staff safety remains a top priority in our district.  We are grateful to the Maplewood Police Department for their quick response and assistance. 

South Orange Maplewood School District"

While our schools may be open today, Nutley has closed all of their schools today due to a post on social media.

alexj said:

Here's the message sent out from CHS (below). Not to be completely alarmist, but how can we truly know (as it says) that there is no imminent threat, and that the school should just go on operating normally?:

"Dear CHS Families,


Early this morning, as they arrived to school, students saw and reported the presence of painted graffiti in the student parking lot on West Parker.  The graffiti referenced a gun and indicated the potential for violence and/or student self-harm. 

CHS staff immediately contacted the Maplewood Police Department, which began an investigation.  The Police Department quickly determined that there was no imminent or specific threat to students or staff, and cleared the high school to operate normally.

Maplewood Police Department has maintained a presence at CHS throughout the day as they continue the investigation.  Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Maplewood Police Department at 973-762-3400. 

If you believe your child is exhibiting signs of undue stress or anxiety, please contact a mental health provider.  You or your child can also contact one of our Student Assistance Counselors:

Michael Loupis (grades 9&10) at 973-762-5600 ext. 1044
Judy Cohen (grades 11&12) at 973-762-5600 ext. 1043

As always, student and staff safety remains a top priority in our district.  We are grateful to the Maplewood Police Department for their quick response and assistance. 

South Orange Maplewood School District"

Alexj, IMHO, you are anything but an alarmist... Given the recent events leading up to the Parkland massacre, there were also warnings. And, not unlike those told to school authorities, local police, and even the FBI, not to worry, because "THERE WAS NO IMMINENT THREAT". We now know there was, and now 17 young lives have been taken from us...

Say whatever you want, but our community, SOMA was given a red flag. Fore-warned, is fore-armed, and there is clearly a troubled young person at Columbia HS who is screaming for help. Someone who is trying to tell us that he/she is ready to get a gun; and we can only imagine what will be done with it. Just say'n, TNFG, take nothing for granted...

I don't think you're being alarmist at all Alexj and I agree with what ajc said about there being a troubled kid out there giving a very clear warning. I'm very concerned and feel the district needs to tell us what has been done or discover about this individual and how they came to the conclusion there is no imminent threat. I sent an email to the principal and the superintendent asking these questions  I also asked why there didn't appear to be any increase in security inside or outside the school on Wednesday or Thursday  I'm not totally convinced that they have the situation under control and more information to the parents would be helpful  I'm also surprised that's there's not more concern expressed by the community regarding this unless others are doing it privately? It would be helpful if many parents emailed/called the superintedent and the principal asking for more detailed information. Our district is not the best when it comes to communicating so maybe we have to put some pressure on them to be updated.  My student is not at all looking forward to school tomorrow and I don't feel entirely comfortable about it either  

Suzy111 said:

.... It would be helpful if many parents emailed/called the superintedent and the principal asking for more detailed information. Our district is not the best when it comes to communicating so maybe we have to put some pressure on them to be updated.  ....

Yes, the situation with the spray paint graffiti sucks. Despite our concerns, I doubt there is anything the superintendent or principal can offer in way of information. The author is unknown.

Beyond holding homeroom discussions or class discussions to the point of, "If you think someone is expressing difficulties, say something," what else can they offer?

I think the last thing needed, is multiple phone calls to distract the school leaders from performing their duties in the best ways they can.

If the school authorities wish to announce and hold a community meeting, that would be good.

am I the only one who thinks that someone who would really bring a gun to school and use it isn't going to write a warning in five foot tall letters in the parking lot?