Schools addressing threats and the effects of a deadly school shooting in students

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Many School Boards in the CSRA are sending out notices addressing the number of rumors and threats towards schools since the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School.

Over the past six days, approximately 17 letters have been sent to parents regarding threats or investigations at different schools in Columbia County, which have resulted in students being charged and suspended. School leaders say they want to continue informing parents that these threats are being investigated thoroughly and ensure they are addressed.

“It’s super important that the child or person who hears it goes to someone immediately and goes, this is what I heard so they can look into it and make It to where it is truly what it is, an innocent, you know the situation,” said Gary Owens, Columbia County School District Chief of Police. “But now again, there are some children who, or adults, who make comments or statements, and they actually intend to carry out some sort of harm or threat.”

A professor at Augusta University tells me that students of any age react differently to these situations and that she heard from a student who was in one.

“We might have someone who survives a school shooting, like one of our students who says that every time a school shooting is brought up, it triggers something, and everything kind of shuts down. So, we see Post Traumatic Stress Disorder type symptoms with these kids,” said Meredith Rausch, Augusta University Professor, PhD in Counselor education and supervision.

While some students retract, some may do the opposite and threaten when scared. Rausch says this is because everyone was brought up in different situations at home.

“Your brain is not fully developed until 25. We’re making impulsive decisions. We’re reacting, responding. Maybe even trying to become popular because of these things. These aren’t the things that people think through, but it’s still a felony in the state of Georgia,” said Rausch.

Although it may seem that these acts of violence in school are becoming more regular, those I spoke with say this is one thing students should not have to worry about while in school.

“We want children not to be numb to the idea of violence. We talk about violence so that they understand they have the words to do so, but we don’t want to make it seem like a normal thing. This is not the new normal,” said Rausch.

Columbia County School District will also hold it’s first Let’s Talk Forum on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Grovetown High School, located at 2010 Warrior Way in Grovetown. This event will discuss topics like safety, vaping, bullying, and more.

“When you have a storm, you’re ready to take care of what you need to, mitigate the storm, and get back to some sort of normalcy,” said Owens.

If you want to reach the tipline for Columbia County Schools, it is 706-541-300.

Rausch also encourages parents to go to this website if you would like to a resource for videos and lessons on ways to talk to your children about difficult subjects.

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