North Hills Superintendent Reacts To Ohio School Shooting

In response to Monday's school shooting in Chardon, Ohio, North Hills School Superintendent Dr. Patrick Mannarino issued the following statement:

February 27, 2012

Dear North Hills Families:

Reports of school violence grab headlines every year and focus our thoughts on school safety.  Early this morning five students in Ohio were shot by a classmate at Chardon High School. One student has died and the other four are seriously injured.  This tragedy in Chardon, a quiet suburb of Cleveland, serves as a vivid reminder that no community is immune to these atrocities.  Each of us must do everything we can to keep our schools safe.  My hope in sending this letter is to stimulate discussion between parents and their children about responsible behavior in school.      

In our North Hills schools, there is no margin for any language or act that threatens the well-being of another person.  Students who communicate their desire or intention to cause harm to students, teachers or a school building, even in a joking manner, will be taken seriously and will face severe disciplinary consequences.  Likewise, federal law and school policy consider paint ball guns, air soft guns and other look alike weapons and elements thereof (e.g. a bullet) weapons, which have no place on school property.  Students who communicate threats or are found in possession of these banned items – regardless of intent – will be reported to the police and face suspension and expulsion proceedings. 

It is well documented that in school districts that have experienced acts of violence – most notably at Columbine High School – there were students and/or adults who had information that may have prevented the deaths and injuries that followed.  Had information been shared with school officials or the local police, tragedies would have almost certainly been prevented.  We urge students and parents to share any threatening or troubling information with our teachers, counselors, principals or any school or law enforcement official with whom they feel comfortable.  Should you wish to make an anonymous report, you may call the school district’s tip-line at 412-318-1111.

I encourage you to have a serious conversation with your children about appropriate and responsible behavior.  Let us work together to ensure a safe and rewarding second semester of the school year.  Thank you in advance for your assistance in keeping our schools and community safe.

Sincerely yours,

Dr. Patrick J. Mannarino                                                               

Superintendent