Seton-La Salle takes this seriously. Mt. Lebanon School District does not.
When the deer cull was taking place, the principal from Seton-La Salle called the municipality and expressed concern. Mt. Lebanon School District did not.
Kids are being exposed to dialogue that killing deer is OK in Mt. Lebanon. They are told to stay out of parks while innocent deer are killed. Threats are not taken seriously by Mt. Lebanon authorities. Articles exhibiting bullying behavior are treated as a humorous piece. Parent offended by article in The Devil's Advocate We're accused of being helicopter parents.
What is Mt. Lebanon teaching our kids? Thank you, Seton-La Salle for erring on the side of caution. Bomb threats are nothing new at Mt. Lebanon High School. I always kept my kids home because what if...?
Seton-La Salle closes Wednesday after violent threat
Threats close Seton-La Salle High School
Seton-La Salle High School closed after email threat to students, staff
 | WPXI (@WPXI) |
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JUST IN: Seton-La Salle HS cancels Thursday's classes as investigation into threat continues -on.wpxi.com/1JqhOd1 pic.twitter.com/J7ili2liJE
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Update April 9, 2015 7:00 PM Seton La-Salle High School cancels classes for a third day, but students will work from home Very troubling.
Instead, the school will have a Chrome from Home Day, according to a statement from school principal Lauren Martin, and is also planning to hold a meeting to discuss when students should return to the building.
Update April 12, 2015 9:22 PM Seton-La Salle to reopen Monday after threats
37 comments:
The Lebo school bomb threat was featured in a post here on March 23rd. There was a bomb threat notice in the girls third floor restroom at Mellon school. The corn cops & school staff deemed it not to be credible, the school remained open and the principal sent a message to parents.
Contrast this with Seton-La Salle.
I think you are making some pretty broad conclusions here. Not all threats are alike and shouldn't be treated alike.
Lebo went through the same procedure as Seton and went through the same police department. One was deemed an actual threat, one was not. Both measures were responsible. This is just flat out inflammatory fear mongering with broad judgemental statements. You can do MUCH better than this...
What I am worried about is the bully culture here in southwestern PA and the failure of Mt Lebanon leadership to consider the impact of their behavior, policies, etc. on children. Perhaps the kids think that if putting groups of deer in corrals is a no-brainer, then maybe shooting up a school isn't such a bad idea either. It's on the adults here to improve this situation... if they don't, the corn corral police might be too busy responding to more and more serious incidents with children to consider killing deer. By then, they will realize that treading softly would have been a better idea.
I agree with 6:44. Posts like this make the blog lose all credibility. Let's focus on real issues instead of trying to make everything about the town seem so bad.
Certainly all issues involving the FBI, coverage by all news sources, and closing down a school indefinitely are not real issues. We have all lost our credibility, according to you.
Are you THAT threatened by this blog, 8:49 AM? I wish I had a dollar for every time someone writes, "Posts like this make the blog lose all credibility."
I published your comment, 8:49 AM. Have a nice day.
Elaine
Unfortunately, I'm with 6:44 and 8:49 on this topic.
I appreciate the Lebocitizens heads up, but reading the Trib this morning it appears the police are handling this and calling in the FBI to track down the source of the threats.
The fact that the Lebo threat went away seems to prove that they handle that incident correctly too.
If we panic every time a threat is made we'll only be inviting more copycats.
Unless proven otherwise I'm of the opinion the police acted prudently in both incidents.
What I don't understand is why there isn't morediscussion of Bill Mathews post.
On the other hand I also disagree with 6:44 and 8:49 if they think Lebocitizens haas lost its credibility.
The info provided by Elaine's blog is usually more timely and in-depth than anything provided by the PIO's office.
Just so I understand the rules, I need not blog about threats. Is that correct?
Elaine
I think you miss the point of 8:49's comment Ms. Gillen. I don't think they are claiming that the closing of a local high school because of a violent threat is not "news" or "blog worthy." Their criticism is based on the claim that Seton LaSalle takes the threats more seriously then MTLSD.
As 6:44 PM commented previously, both schools contact the same police department when a threat is received and presumably receive a recommendation for action based on the credibility of that threat. If both schools follow the recommendation of the police department, then they are both treating the threat in the same manner. Just because the Seton LaSalle threat may be more credible and require a more drastic response does not mean that MTLSD did not treat other threats just as seriously.
Elaine, no one is dictating how you run your blog. This reader heard about both bomb threats here first and appreciates your eyes and ears.
All I think three of us are saying is that in THIS INSTANCE we don't have enough information to go critical of the way the two threats are handled.
Now if it turns out the police swept the Lebo threat under the rug in the name of PR, that is a problem, a BIG, BIG problem.
So far though I haven't seen any evidence of that and I'm not going to second guess because I didn't like the GeSTOPo tactics employed by the dept. during the deer cull.
Since no one challenged my statement about how Seton-La Salle handled the threat of shooting firearms so close to their school vs. how MTLSD had no problem with shooting guns 257 ft. from Markham, then you missed MY point how Seton-La Salle handles threats differently than MTLSD.
Elaine
I reread your post and now see what you are saying. You are one sophisticated blogger!
Do we know if Markham's Principal called the municipality?
Did Seton's Principal express public concern via a letter to its students and parents, or did they just talk with municipality workers?
Point the focus of anger on the municipality and their choices. We do not know (unless we file a RTK) what the inner conversations were from MTLSD employees within their own ranks, or to the municipality on the cull being within that range of Markham.
Maybe there was a hush order put on staff by Dr. S. Maybe there were no official positions stated, and staff were able to say anything (or nothing) to students and parents. We don't know. To claim that the entire district doesn't take threats seriously because of the deer cull IS inflammatory and taking a few leaps to get there.
You reveal many truths about the community, you allow opposing views to be stated here (even if sometimes you pitch a fit about it), you put your neck out on the line and go digging...all of this is something that I respect keeps me coming back for INFO. Injecting over generalized statements that read more as a biased opinion like that DO chip away at your integrity, to myself and obviously a few others.
There wasn't a hush order on staff unless that teacher(s) that came forth in public comment at commission meetings were defying one. I can recall at least one teacher... did anyone else count their comments?
Personally, I know that I found that info on the gun free school zones and here is how: I thought to myself, "Please let me find a law that protects children from guns in their school zones!" So I looked it up, found it and posted it on this blog. Within 48 hours, the gun free school zone issue was being addressed by the municipality.
I find it very concerning that the school district with all of the resources it has at its disposal did not address this matter. What is the hourly fee of the district's attorney? How about Steinhauer's? What were they doing while I looked this information up on behalf of Mt Lebanon's children and families? What ELSE do they overlook - sometimes intentionally even when the information has been provided to them?
My frustration is directed appropriately.
Yes, I did miss your point when I commented at 9:58 AM. In fairness however, when you start your post out by linking to the Almanac's article regarding the violent threat at Seton LaSalle and then state "Seton-La Salle takes this seriously. Mt. Lebanon School District does not" it's hard for the reader to not think that you are directly comparing how each school handles threats of this nature, your comments regarding the deer culls notwithstanding.
I'm still lost, at what time did Benner's shooters make or even imply a threat to any school or its students?
Now in regard to the threats at Lebo and Seton, from what I know Lebo's was simply a scwarled threat in a restroom.
In Seton's there are from what I've direct email threats to specific people as well as the school in general.
To me they are two decidedly deferent, and apparently the police see it that way as well.
According to the Trib-- "Threats of violence are rare at local Catholic schools, said the Rev. Ronald Lengwin, a spokesman for the diocese.
“We've never had one like this that I'm aware of,” said Lengwin, who has been with the diocese for 50 years."
Now then Lebo's recent threat was graffiti written in a stairway, which looking back isn't that rare.
http://triblive.com/mobile/1209331-96/bomb-bathroom-threat-lebanon-scrawled-wall-message-staff-students-bowman
From Oct. 2009-
"Mt. Lebanon High School will have increased security Monday because of a bomb threat scrawled on a bathroom wall at the high school.
At about 1:30 p.m. Friday, students reported the graffiti on the wall of a sixth-floor boys' bathroom that said, "Bomb 10/26 u all die," said school district spokeswoman Cissy Bowman. Police investigated and determined that no credible threat exists, but will increase their presence around the school in response."
From January 2009- http://triblive.com/mobile/1258395-96/bomb-graffiti-lebanon-threat-police-davis-parents-truver-anyone-appeared
"Mt. Lebanon school officials notified parents of a possible bomb threat scrawled on a bathroom wall at Mt. Lebanon High School this morning, but police do not believe the graffiti is a credible threat.
Deputy Chief Ken Truver described the graffiti as including "a circle with a fuse coming out of it" -- like an old-fashioned cartoon bomb or cannonball. Principal Ron Davis' message to parents said the graffiti included the statement "Bomb 1⁄26."
Similar drawings have appeared before, Truver said, and police are treating it as vandalism. After notifying police of the graffiti, Davis asked students and staff to be aware of anyone behaving out of the ordinary."
The rationale for creating gun-free school zones is that guns in close proximity to school children are in and of themselves a threat. I think it is reasonable to expect that a superintendent is aware of this law and/or seeks consultation with a knowledgable source when the park next to the school is being used to corral and kill animals.
12:47 PM, I published the letter that was sent to parents from the school district concerning the deer killing. Do you expect a tally from every teacher and principal? If it comes from the superintendent, is that not enough? You write, "Injecting over generalized statements that read more as a biased opinion like that DO chip away at your integrity, to myself and obviously a few others." Newspapers can editorialize, but I can't. My bad. Deduct it from my pay this week.
In fairness, 1:35 PM? IN FAIRNESS? I am one person, trying to blog about two separate local governments, staffed with many people whose jobs are to do what I am doing by myself.
I have asked for help and no one ever comes forward. But people, like yourselves, are quick to criticize, and are out to destroy my integrity and credibility. It is amazing to me that you have higher standards of me, and look the other way when it comes to paid employees, public officials and board appointees.
I think I have been beaten up enough today. Sorry to end your fun.
Elaine
You do a good job on the blog. This is your blog and you have a right to post whatever you want. What you don't do well is take any amount of criticism. Anyone who disagrees with you is automatically your enemy. It is tiring to read. I agree and appreciate most of what you write about it and I am not "quick to criticize" but you certainly make anyone who negatively comments on even the smallest thing feel like they are against you. Sometimes, your reaction doesn't even make sense. And I can never understand when you get upset that no one has stepped up to help you...it's YOUR blog. Put up a link for donations if that's what you need. Make a post requesting specific help you want. But don't get upset if no one responds.
4:32, while I don't agree that the incidents are similar or that the police overlooked one and not the other, your characterization that Elaine makes anyone who disagrees with her - her enemy.
For all the abuse Elaine has taken over the years I'd say she has been quite reserved and gone out of her way to present everyone's view point.
I've seen little criticism when the powers that be take pot shots at her and others and I don't understand why the double standard.
For Elaine's faults, I'd rely on her blog for insight into the community far before I'd reply on the "official" community blog/magazine.
I have the utmost respect for Elaine's work on this blog and if she says she has had it, then she has that right. You, Ms Entitled, have no right to say your are tired of reading the blog. Take your little micro aggressions somewhere else.
At the risk of sounding like I don't take criticism well, what is important here is that Seton-La Salle was closed for two days over threats. Seton-La Salle prevented deer killing near their school and the superintendent of Mt. Lebanon handled it a bit differently by sending this letter to parents.
From: Dr. Timothy Steinhauer
To:
Sent: Tue, Feb 17, 2015 4:08 pm
Subject: Municipal Letter Concerning Deer Culling
Dear Mt. Lebanon Parents,
The Mt. Lebanon Municipality received permission today from the Pennsylvania Game Commission to proceed with the deer cull. They have asked us to share the attached letter with you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Timothy Steinhauer
Superintendent of Schools
But if you want to continue to judge me, then obviously, that must be the bigger issue here.
Elaine
5:08-Do you really think she doesn't take shots at people? You're right, it is her blog, but if you are going to censor and attack those who don't happen to agree with every word-OWN IT. Admit you are not interested in debate, but only having it your way, which is evident by the tone of what the blog owner posts. She doesn't want to hear you disagree with what she does, she only wants to be critical of others. OR attack their families. OR attack their character. OR post memes about them. That behavior goes on here all the time. You can't just overlook it. Not that there is any chance this will be posted, but this isn't a place for anyone who doesn't tow the party line.
1:40 How can a threat be *simply* anything ?
I stand corrected. I guess am the bigger problem here. Quick! Call off the FBI! Seton-La Salle's priorities are all wrong. Forget threats! Forget killing innocent animals!
We are really messed up here.
Elaine
No doubt 5:48 that things have been ugly on this blog. You suggest that it all comes back to Elaine. The meme with the Grandma was a little sad but what is saddee to me is that she was teaching her grandmother that killing sentient creatures as a group in corrals placed in parks is a good idea if it makes her life better. And tbh, the meme was pretty funny.
If the Grandma wasn't promoting cruelty, the meme wouldn't have ever been created.
Classes have been canceled for a third day, but students will work from home, Chrome from Home Day.
Elaine
5:08: Nobody is forcing you to read Elaine's blog. If you don't like Elaine, or her blog, then don't read it. If the "Entitled Bullies" go out of their way to insult not only Elaine and the taxpayers, then, don't complain when you are questioned and/or called out on your arrogance. There is no double standard. I was raised with the value that: treat others how you want to be treated. If you want to be treated nice and respected, then, you do the same. If you are rude, then, get over yourself and grow up.
http://rems.ed.gov/docs/repository/rems_000053_0002.pdf
Correction from 8:26: my comments are directed to 5:48PM. My apologies to 5:08 PM. Thank you for understanding.
"treat others how you want to be treated. If you want to be treated nice and respected, then, you do the same"...yep, that is exactly what you are doing, right 10:34 PM? Laughable! How many posts on this thread are critical of the topic? A few, right? And how are you reacting to that? By saying 'if you don't like it, don't read'....you proved my point. Open debate and exchange of opinions and ideas is not what this blog is about. It is only for like-minded people and all others are considered the enemy. And you go after all those who dare not to agree, but defend all the attacks permitted to go on here. Yep, that is the Golden Rule 10:34....
I permitted your attack, 12:32 PM.
I think the reason why it appears that it is only for like-minded people, is that if people aren't happy with what they are reading, they stop reading. I guess there are those who come here and try to change things to suit themselves, just like those who have found that you have to work a little harder to make your own community when you weren't born here.
Going back on topic, it is unclear that Seton-La Salle will open on Monday.
Elaine
5:48, did you read the following?
From January 2009- http://triblive.com/mobile/1258395-96/bomb-graffiti-lebanon-threat-police-davis-parents-truver-anyone-appeared
"Mt. Lebanon school officials notified parents of a possible bomb threat scrawled on a bathroom wall at Mt. Lebanon High School this morning, but police do not believe the graffiti is a credible threat.
Deputy Chief Ken Truver described the graffiti as including "a circle with a fuse coming out of it" -- like an old-fashioned cartoon bomb or cannonball. Principal Ron Davis' message to parents said the graffiti included the statement "Bomb 1⁄26."
Similar drawings have appeared before, Truver said, and police are treating it as vandalism. After notifying police of the graffiti, Davis asked students and staff to be aware of anyone behaving out of the ordinary."
There is a difference between some stupid graffiti and the threats made at Seton LaSalle.
No one is saying the threat/graffiti at Lebo shouldn't be investigated and the guilty party dealt with, but so far it appears the threat at Lebo was nothing more than a simple prank.
If you know otherwise 5:48, fill us in, Sherlock.
500 parents attended the Seton meeting today -- a demonstration of significant concern and interest.
Cyber threats/bullying is a serious and mounting problem. High school students should not be permitted to carry their phones around all day in school texting, tweeting, taking photos/videos and who knows what else. It's just a new avenue for problems.
This cyber threat could have happened without phones in school but why bother permitting them?
Think back to the latest arrests associated with the high school -- did kids plan a fight after school? If so, how did they plan it? Did they use their phones? Did word spread during school via social media? Did the police investigate the phones and look at video footage? If so, did they look at additional material available on the phones and was there evidence that instead of learning in school, the kids were planning a violent act?
WISE UP Mt Lebanon!
The bomb threat at the Lebo school was made by a very sick child. I hope that child was expelled for the rest of the year and is receiving much needed psychiatric care. The parents of that child need psychiatric intervention, too.
Maybe the bomb threat at Lebo wasn't taken as "seriously" because of the parent's connections to the internal workings of Lebo. That would be very bad press for Lebo.
It's pretty well known among the students who made the bomb threat at Lebo and why.
Bullying is a huge problem. Is anyone really surprised? Look at the bullying that goes on among the commission, SAB or school board.
The PIO referring to FACTIONS in Lebo is at the very least a poor choice of words for such a highly regarded editor or most likely a deliberate choice to bully others.
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