 |
|
|
|
|
Fisher administrators say that 'hit list' student was suspended
By Jason Baker
An incident involving a frustrated Fisher Middle School student found in possession of a "hit list" has school administrators searching for answers and working toward solutions to ensure student safety.
On May 24 at 2:50 p.m., about 10 minutes before students were to be dismissed from classes, an unidentified Fisher teacher reportedly observed several sixth-grade students gathering in the back of a classroom, discussing an object apparently in possession of a 12-year-old male student.
Mary Ann Park, Los Gatos Union School District superintendent, said school administrators questioned the boy and discovered in his possession a list containing the names of 10 students "to kill." The students on the list reportedly had teased the boy and he had created the list to scare them, Park said. Los Gatos-Monte Sereno police investigated the incident and notified the parents of the students on the list.
Park said school officials suspended the boy for the remainder of the school year and are working closely with his parents to help in any way they can, including providing one-on-one counseling. She said the student's parents have been extremely helpful and are taking the situation very seriously. Officials did not release the names of the boy or the students named on the list.
Fisher principal Cullen Hewitt said the boy realizes his mistake and apologized to officials the day they discovered the list. "We've listened to the concerns and are acting in the best interest of everyone involved," Hewitt said. "The situation has been awkward. To some extent, the students just want the incident closed and want to move on."
Long before the rash of high-profile violent incidents throughout the county, Hewitt said he and LGUSD administrators were striving to create a positive and friendly school environment, as well as a safe environment. "We try to be upfront with kids, to let them know we are aware of what's happening and to address inappropriate behavior," he said. "Most of the children come from families with strong values. We try to talk with kids individually and in groups to discuss their worries and try to improve situations."
Hewitt said communication remains the most important avenue for preventing and avoiding dangerous situations on campus. Administrators, he says, work to be more accessible to students and allow time for them to communicate their feelings and create awareness of problems or uncomfortable situations. "We are trying to say to [students] 'If you see something wrong, if you know something is wrong, tell an adult,'" he said. "The vast majority are very good kids. We don't enjoy heightening security, but I think it's a reality. It's a sadness really. It's a sign of the times."
|
|
|
|
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
