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What Parents Are Saying About the Rumors of Threatened Violence in District 308 Schools

Take a look at how parents are reacting to Thursday's news of rumors of a violent threat at District 308 schools.

The news today that Oswego District 308 officials are taking very seriously the rumors of planned school violence to coincide with the Dec. 21 end of the world date set by the Mayan calendar has Oswego Patch Facebook friends talking.

Here’s a sampling of what some, including parents, are saying:

Brian G. Shaking my head at you paranoid parents... relax. If you believe in any of this hype as well as the exaggeration of teens and such, you seriously need a reality check.

Ashley H. Brian, I bet that's what the parents of Columbine thought and look where it got them. Reality check to you, this stuff does happen and should be taken seriously. Id rather be safe and over cautious than lose my child when it easily could have been prevented.

Coleen M. Ashley, I was thinking almost exactly the same thing! In our 6 years in the District, we have NEVER gotten a call like that one. I'm sure it was grounded for them to agree as a District to send it out.

Lisa C. REALITY is it happens all the time all over this country. It happen this week! Paranoid NO! concerned that one unstable person can harm just 1 person YES!

Nicole C. How was THAT phone message 308 just sent out supposed to help? I had no worries about my kid attending classes that day until I heard that message. UGH.

Tiffany P. This is scary, glad precautions are in place but what has happened to our world? School should be a worry free happy place!

Lisa U. Both of my high school boys came home yesterday telling me there were rumors flying all over the school about potential violence on Dec. 21st. I believe the school district sent the message so that parents like me, who heard the rumors at home, would know they are aware and working on it. I appreciated the call so that I know it is being addressed seriously.

Gina J. Same thing here Lisa. Both our kids were talking about it to. Now that we got the message, I know we don't need to put a call in asking about it. Thanks District 308!

Crystal F. Yesterday my son told me about the rumors and the announcements that were made and I was waiting to see how long it was going to take for the district to send out a message. All of these threats have to be taken seriously.

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Tracy Manning December 13, 2012 at 10:24 pm
1% chance is too much! That 1% is someones child. Too many parents have lost their children in this same scenario. I don't want to be one of them.....
Lisa December 13, 2012 at 10:44 pm
Lisa F. My daughter had texted me during her lunch period about the rumors saying how scared she was. I asked her had it been reported to the staff and she said yes. I immediately made a phone call to the school and reported it too and addressed my concerns. They had already contacted the authorities and was very aware of it. I am still worried even though they are taking precautions! Don't know if I will send my daughter to school on that day.
Lisa December 14, 2012 at 12:04 am
I can't believe anyone would say that we are paranoid! Truth is that this stuff happens all the time and I would never want to take it lightly! My son has said that it is the talk of the school!
Andre Ramos December 14, 2012 at 01:04 am
Aurora P.D is saying a press release may be issued tonight on this matter.
Carmen Cruz December 14, 2012 at 01:05 am
Need to know in detail what are the precautions? How is the District going to prevent anyone from bringing in a weapon?
Student at OE December 14, 2012 at 01:48 am
What if they put metal dectors?
Student at OE December 14, 2012 at 01:49 am
It was it was impossible to even get throught class without one person bring it up.
Bk December 14, 2012 at 03:17 am
Was there not just a shooting in a mall in Oregon??? I've heard there is a "hit list"?
Walt Hines December 14, 2012 at 04:13 am
Carmen I agree with you. Hoping this is some sick joke I don't want to take any chances. Can't they install metal detectors even if it's for one day? I think we live in a time when they should be a permanent fixture in our schools.
Fart Mouth December 14, 2012 at 08:16 am
EF, its school not a prison you don't need metal dectors. Grow up
Student at OE December 14, 2012 at 11:41 am
Fart mouth look at how many other schools have them...
Alexander Buttersworth December 14, 2012 at 03:16 pm
All hype.
Natalie Stevens (Editor) December 14, 2012 at 03:23 pm
As of this morning, school officials say there is no credibility to the rumors, but security has been heightened. Read here for more details: http://oswego.patch.com/articles/police-on-patrol-in-district-308-schools-after-thursday-announcement
Kim Petry December 14, 2012 at 03:42 pm
This does happen.. And to often! CNN is reporting right now about a shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut. This is awful.
Jon Metcalf December 14, 2012 at 03:43 pm
Although I do not believe the Mayan Calendar scare, many people do, especially small children. Knowing of this "EVENT" for many, many years, you would think a school district would figure out a way to start HOLIDAY BREAK(p.c), I mean Christmas break, on Thursday Dec. 20. There are small children that are very scared of this day. How many other days do they get off from school every year? Think ahead school district, and use your heads!
Mr. J December 14, 2012 at 03:43 pm
Detectors*
Not a whole lot of other schools have them, but I will say that this hype of "impending doom" is just supernatural b/s. The Mayan's didn't declare it to be the "end of the world," they just ran out of room making their ultimate calendar. Will violence take place on the 21st? I don't know, but it wouldn't surprise me; people get amped up and crazy and do stupid and terrible things. Will life cease to be after the 21st? Probably not. If you think so, you need to join the group of special people which include the guy who spent his entire life savings purchasing ad space and other crap in May over on the east coast.
J. Ann December 14, 2012 at 05:36 pm
I truly empathize with District 308 and these current threats and concerns. This may certainly be a controversial position, but I believe if Illinois (the only state left in the Union to hold out) would legitimize "conceal and carry" laws, these threats would be less of---a threat. These violent people would at least be aware that ANYONE, especially teachers and principals, would/could just be concealing and carrying a counter weapon to theirs---and may just be ready to respond! Just a thought....
memyselfandgod December 14, 2012 at 08:35 pm
When teachers lock the doors and tell us to stay inside don't go too far it might not be alright . You expect us students to feel safe and not be scared? We sit there and wonder who will be first we ask some people..they say it'll be fine . But then they stare at you with fear in their eyes...they call us in the office one by one as more names are given ... This game is no fun. Twitter is being hacked by some guy who knows our names he knows our I'D but he does not exist they can't find who it is... We are scared and we don't know what's next so call each other paranoid...but honestly you shouldn't think of us the students.. think of the children who died on this day.. who had been so pure ... They got killed in an instant .. and we sit here in fear.. you parents think youre afraid? Those children were in kindergarten! A girl at my table heard the news .. she started to cry saying how those parents this Christmas would stare at their tree full of presents .... She got so frightened saying what if we really are next... The world is ending not because of some calendar but because of one another.
OHS Student December 14, 2012 at 09:02 pm
I'm a student at OHS and to be honest, I am rather nervous about these allegations. regardless of the rumors are true or not is beside the point. If there is even the slightest possibility of it being true many people are going to be staying home. In light of the recent shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School people are only going to be freaking out even more.
Catherine Lee December 14, 2012 at 09:02 pm
Why aren't the school's locked? Anyone can walk right in to my granddaughter's elementary school. Still think it can't happen anytime? Look at the pain in CT.
Catherine December 15, 2012 at 01:52 pm
I picked my daughter up early. She had told me about the OHS threats on the way to school. In hindsight...I regret taking her at all. But, I did pick her up two hours later. The heartache, pain, shock and why?...Why?...Why?...that we are feeling for the CT shootings and their families...is enough for me to keep my daughter home next Friday. Meanwhile, all I can do is pray for the sweet children in CT. who had their innocence stolen from them by this horrific act...and pray for the families who lost a precious child.
TTYL December 15, 2012 at 03:59 pm
As a teacher (not in 308), and as a mom with a student there, this is very scary and makes me really sick to my stomach. This is a great community! I have faith in our police department and the school officials to make the best decision to keep our children safe from harm. We need to band together as a community in good times and bad times. We need to support each other and not point fingers. Children of any age, watch and listen to how adults act on these situaitons. We need to turn off FB and Twitter and spend time with our loved ones. We need to pray for the families in CT. I cannot understand how one human being can do something like this. We must make sure that good overcomes evil. That starts with us, as individuals. It may be Christmas, but we need to do this consistently. There is too much hurt going on in this country. Get the kids off Xbox and play Monopoly or Trivial Pursuit or somehting with the family. Take a moment to think and pray for these families and tell your family and friends how much you love them. Be aware and report things the right way, with the police. Parents, we are accountable for our childrens' actions and behavior. Adolescents need their parents just as much as they did at age 5, 8, etc. We have to be in the know so we can help these kids. We have to protect them together. The media will not protect them, that is our job. God, help us through these times. Thank you, A devoted parent, teacher, and citizen. CAG
JimmyJ December 16, 2012 at 06:30 pm
Metal detectors would go a long way to preventing some weapons getting in, however, as your parents what they think about them in schools? If they are honest with you, if they have not changed their minds since Friday, they will tell you they don't want them in schools, at least these schools, because metal detectors at schools seems to mean there is a problem and a school problem means lower property values. So rather then install metal detectors, lets roll the dice on daily basis, trade the students for money in higher property values.
JimmyJ December 16, 2012 at 06:33 pm
True not a lot of schools have metal detectors. I wonder how many dead children there would be if schools had metal detectors? Why don't we want them? Because we fear property value will decline? I'd rather my house be worth nothing than my kid come home in a casket.
JimmyJ December 16, 2012 at 06:36 pm
Under most concealed carry laws there are specific places where you can not have your weapon. I suspect that a school would be such a no gun zone. So arming the teachers may not be realistic.
Marla Johnson December 17, 2012 at 05:06 pm
I question what the authorities will be doing after they catch the individual(s) behind the threat. Why type of punishment will they receive? What about the individual(s) that took this threat and started the rumors of other schools? Will there be punishment there? Honestly, the media takes these monsters and makes them celebrities. They get Lifetime Movies made about them and what they did. Look at Columbine, MIchael Moore took what happened and made a movie about it. Sure he says it was political and about gun control, but honestly, all he did was publicize the actions of those two boys and of course, made a buck off of it. The media almost glorifyies these individuals. Instetad, the media should focus on the punishment they receive. Heck, when they catch the people(or person) responsible, it should be televised for the community. Why we cannot let the threat of violence destroy the lives of our children, at what cost will that be?

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$100, Lexington Desk and Hutch
Kate June 17, 2013 at 03:09 pm
This desk is now on sale for $100! I need it out of my garage!
Dana Sinn June 17, 2013 at 06:03 pm
What's the wood and would like to see it.
Kate June 17, 2013 at 07:50 pm
Dana, it's solid oak. Please call 630-699-5432 and ask for Kate. We can set up a time for you toRead More see it. Thanks for your interest!
Cindy Senft June 16, 2013 at 11:06 am
Thank you! She was found!
Diane Selmer June 16, 2013 at 04:10 pm
Hooray -- I was out this morning looking for her.
Natalie Stevens (Editor) June 16, 2013 at 07:17 pm
Yay! So happy to hear that Cindy!
Dustin Tracy June 15, 2013 at 09:49 pm
Opinion - I have a fulltime job. My wife has a fulltime job. Our kids are in school and very busy.Read More We were taught to vote and those elected to the board of education hires a superintendent and the superintendent manages the school district. We know several board members from the past and two current board members. Hiring administrators? The board approves. Hiring new staff? The board approves. Purchasing computers. The board approves. (And we need more!) The answers to all of your questions? The board is elected by us to do a job. Let them do it. The supt is hired by the board to do a job. Let him do it. I don't have the time or the desire to know everything. That is why I helped HIRE (elect) the board of education. We hear from many in our neighborhood and the replacements are needed because this district needs some changes. Side by side comparisons? Really? That is the job of the board of education. We hear great things are happening. Let's all get behind the new people and show support. Thank you and this is just our opinion.
Dustin Tracy June 15, 2013 at 09:50 pm
Ginny- you make great points. Thank you.
Joe Smith June 17, 2013 at 12:23 am
The school district and park district basically run this town. If you don't like it, leave. That'sRead More the way it has been for 20 years and it isn't going to change. Anytime there is talk of voting down one of their major referendums, the ensuing debate becomes very predictable. Most notably, they threaten to go nuclear and cut sports and the band and that scares residents into shelling out the cash. Remember when the OHS band went to the Rose Bowl parade years ago? There was a referendum not long after that where they said the band would be cut if it didn't pass. Those are the politics these leaches play. And I call them leaches because that's all they are. They suck the blood (property tax cash) from Oswego. There are sooooo many things from over the years I could write here. One that really stands out is a full color booklet that was sent to residents explaining that the Oswego school system was lagging behind and that they needed more money. It was later determined that a construction company paid for the booklet to be sent out. So basically they were trying to convince Oswego residents undercover that we needed more schools..... for them to get the contracts to build. And don't even get me started on the Oswego Ledger newspaper, which has the reach to set the record straight on a lot of things. They are great for coverage of area events and whatnot, but their political coverage has always been a disgrace. I've often wondered if the local government has the paper in their back pocket. That was as of a few years ago. I haven't given them my money since then. Maybe it has changed. If so, I would gladly subscribe again. If you go out into the community and talk about the property taxes and where they are going, everyone agrees that something needs to be done. Don't be fooled by the extremely vocal minority that shows up online (such as on this page) to support the way things currently are.
Natalie Stevens (Editor) June 13, 2013 at 02:07 pm
I imagine, Robert! When I've done Relay I tend to sleep the whole Sunday away!
Lightning Storm over the Fox River
Robin Crowley June 13, 2013 at 08:17 am
It's probably easiest to reach Matthew on his FB page at:Read More https://www.facebook.com/MatthewCrowleyPhotography. I'm not sure he'll remember to check back here regularly. He's happy to give camera setting info etc.
Charlene Coulombe June 13, 2013 at 12:13 pm
Love, love , love it! Send it to the Village or me., love to post on the website! Great Job.Read More Charlene Coulombe-Fiore
Kristy Gravlin June 13, 2013 at 12:25 pm
I used to think I could stand on the back porch and watch...I guess my parents thought so too asRead More they allowed it. A few years ago I heard the story of a woman who was struck by lightening and killed when she went to look out through the screen door. I try to be a bit more careful now.