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In the case of the Deutsch student, there were direct, explicit, and graphic threats, including planning conversations with other students. The case of the second student was much less clear, but staff and the police believed there was real cause for concern about others as well as the student himself. They wanted him to receive the benefits of professional support, which is only ensured if his situation is handled formally. In both cases, however, please note that these are juveniles. So none of us can be privy to more official information than is allowed under privacy laws. What I know for sure, however, is that youth of this generation -- just like all those before and surely after -- carry around a healthy dose of angst, outrage, trauma, wildness, craziness, and so on, much of which is expressed both verbally and in writing. The vast, vast majority of this free expression is just par for the course throughout an average school day. SPPS staff who are with 800-2100 of our students for over 180 days per year in our middle and high schools have dozens of years dealing with this incredibly wide range of students. From what I've seen first hand in our schools, know from my own parenting and volunteer experience, and understand after discussing this with teachers, the St. Paul juvenile commander, and the superintendent, I trust our school staff to judge the difference between normal expression and potentially serious trouble. And in all cases, I would much, much rather err on the side of getting these youth MORE help than they need, rather than less. -- Anne Carroll ------------------------------------------------------------ Anne R. Carroll Carroll, Franck & Associates Public Involvement, Strategic Planning, Communications 1357 Highland Parkway St. Paul, MN 55116 USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 651-690-9162 School Board: 651-690-9156 "A politician worries about the next election. A true states[wo]man worries about the next generation, and children yet unborn." - e.e. cummings "...leadership is about how you bring out the best in people. Leadership is what you give to the community you live in. Leadership is what you give to the world. Leadership is how you live an honest life... You will be more credible and you will be more powerful if you do not separate the lives you live from the words you speak." -- Paul Wellstone _____________________________________________ To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
