Student Removed From James Caldwell High School for Making List of Names
Police said fellow student came forward to report a list viewed before mass shooting in Newtown, Conn.
School officials removed a student from James Caldwell High School in West Caldwell Monday after learning the boy kept a list of eight names in a notebook, school officials announced Tuesday.
The intent of the list was not clear and no threats have been made, according to a letter sent to parents by Principal Kevin Barnes.
"The student in question is not in school, and will not be, pending the completed investigation and recommendations from various experts," Barnes stated in the letter.
Barnes explained that school officials learned of the list Monday and notified the West Caldwell Police Department who initiated an investigation.
The parents of the eight students have also been notified, he said.
West Caldwell Police Chief Michael Bramhall confirmed the student is a boy but did not give the age or grade.
Bramhall said he believed most of the eight students on the list are currently attending the high school.
The investigation comes less than a week after a mass shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn. which left 20 children dead. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of students across the country.
Bramhall said he praises the student who came forward with information about the list as well as another student who also confirmed seeing the list.
"This list was observed by another student prior to Connecticut and I don't think much thought was given to it prior to Connecticut," he said.
Another school in West Caldwell was locked down for about an hour Tuesday while police investigated reports of a possible gunshot.
Meanwhile, nearby Montclair High School was evacuated around 2 p.m. after reports of a bomb threat.
JohneRus
4:58 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
No notification from the Principal? Why do we have to learn about this stuff (Washington School and JCHS) from Patch as opposed to the building Principal?
Jeanne Thiemann
8:26 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
I received an email notification from the principal of JCHS with this information today. @johneRus - if you didn't, maybe you should check if the school has your correct contact info.
MT
5:31 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
"This list was observed by another student prior to Connecticut and I don't think much thought was given to it prior to Connecticut," he said.
So why was the boy removed? This is absurd.
ConCald
8:26 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
MT, YOU ARE SO IGNORANT. THE BOY WAS REMOVED BECAUSE HE POSES AN ACTUAL THREAT TO OUR CHILDREN. Nobody knows what this boy was planning on doing?!
amy
8:26 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
so now that things have happend in conneticut its happening everywhere?!!? Im kind of scared now.....
Amanda Sampson
1:07 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
This stuff was happening everywhere prior to Conneticut, its just now people are taking things more seriously.
clyde donovan
1:29 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Maybe it was his Chrsitmas card list.
gregory l. mitchell
5:08 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
I'm sure authorities will check for any connection between the 8 names,if any then what connection any of those 8 have with the student with the list.There most likely will be some direct or indirect connection with one of them with another.Then the pressure can be put on to get things to the surface-most likely it won't be serious.But right now after that EVIL MONSTER in Conn.it's understandable to be on edge.G.L.Mitchell-Grover Cleveland H.S.-"58"
Frank M.
9:28 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
At what point do the parents take responsibilty for their children? I know where my children are and what they are doing. If I saw any disturbing behavior I wouldnt wait for the school or police to take action, after all it's not their responsibilty to raise my children as respectful, productive human beings. I applaud the Principal as well as our police departments for the manner in which this situation was handled. Step up and be parents! Implement ZERO TOLERANCE for students that post lists or have no respect for teachers and police. One strike and their out!
jennifer
10:29 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
Unfortunately, these incidents are NOTHING NEW. Students and staff are ignorant to warning signs of possible behavior leading to school shootings. Yes, parents are easy to point a finger at too. However, they're not ALWAYS the reason for a child's behanvior. I am one of three, and my little brother was ALWAYS getting into trouble. So, if my parents are to blame for my brother, why were my older brother and myself less wild?
S. Major
1:22 pm on Saturday, December 29, 2012
@ConCald:
"nobody knows what this boy was planning on doing".. EXACTLY!
so how can you say "he poses an actual threat to our children"?
h tomoko
8:17 am on Thursday, January 3, 2013
The boy is innocent. Do they have evidence to prove the boy posed threat? If the Police investigation's complete, let the case open to public. Sometimes innocent people become victims. Something weired is going on.