LOCAL EDUCATORS SAY KIDS' THREATS SHOULDN'T BE IGNORED

Monday's school shooting in Santee, Calif., left local educators saddened and reviewing their own plans to prevent such incidents.

Cape Girardeau assistant superintendent Mark Bowles called a special meeting of the school district's secondary principals to review security procedures.

The shooting at Santana High School killed two and wounded 13 others. A 15-year-old freshman who apparently was a frequent target for teasing is in custody. Police say the boy told his friends about his plans, but they didn't take him seriously.

That's the problem, Bowles and other area school officials say. They believe open communication between students and staff is vital to preventing school violence.

CrimeStoppers posters dot the Central High School, junior high and L.J. Schultz school hallways in Cape Girardeau. Bowles said students are encouraged to call the hotline number, 332-0500, if they are aware of any threats by other students.

Threats of violence shouldn't be ignored, agrees Cape Girardeau police officer Alvin Spencer, who coordinates the CrimeStoppers program. "You can tattletale and be anonymous while doing it."

"You can't joke about it anymore," he said. Students have called the CrimeStoppers number, but none of the calls has dealt with threats of violence like what occurred in California.

But, in case students don't get the message, the new Central High School being built on Silver Springs Road will have security cameras and electronic doors.

Even with such precautions, violence can be difficult to predict. "You hope that you pick up the signs," said Fred Graham, Scott City High School principal. He also met with staff to discuss the California incident.