Trending
Across the region, school districts are under siege this week. In West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania, threats are being received -- and some of them are dealing with real incidents. Reports from multiple media outlets suggest there has been a wave of such threats and frightening situations since the deadly school shooting in Georgia Sept. 4.
Preston High School dismissed students early Thursday due to a threat. Central Preston Middle School was on a "precautionary hold" Thursday due to a threat.
In Tennessee, a gun was confiscated from a 6-year-old; in Nebraska, one high school student shot another before being taken into custody. There are bomb threats everywhere (and not just at schools).
Officials at Fairmont Senior High were made aware of a potential threat early Thursday morning. An investigation was quickly initiated with local law enforcement authorities.
It is frightening stuff. It is difficult to comprehend what these young people are thinking -- but it is surely a sign that Georgia's incident has ignited something deeply troubling in so many children who are willing to wreak havoc, perhaps injure ... perhaps even kill. What have we done to our kids?
Again, this is happening everywhere in the U.S. And while educators, counselors and public officials examine what has made it so appealing to so many to jump on this horrifying trend, there is something else we can do.
The FBI made clear it is on watch.
"These threats disrupt school, waste resources, and put first responders and innocent people in unnecessary danger," the bureau announced after a rash of incidents in western Pennsylvania. "FBI Pittsburgh stands committed and ready to respond to any immediate threat involving any educational institution 24 hours a day."
The Marietta City Schools District said something important, "We are thankful for the students who reported this to us and our staff for quickly and safely resolving this matter."
If you see something, say something. Those words became more common in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and they have been relevant ever since. They are crucial today. Students, teachers, administrators -- everyone -- must be vigilant and unafraid to report a possible threat.
We must all be on watch.