From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — In a letter to Hewitt-Trussville High School, parents were informed of measures being put in place to support faculty, staff, and students in response to a threat 12 days ago on Friday, Sept. 16.
Trussville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Patti Neill stated in the letter that in preparation for school today, she consulted with acting principal Joy Young last night to discuss a plan for providing the extra care they knew their teachers and students would need for a successful day today.
Neill said TCS offered for teachers to stop by the library for a come-and-go meeting with administrators from 7:30 to 8 a.m. Teachers had the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and receive encouragement.
Related Story: Concerned parents address Trussville Council: ‘We expect action’
For students, HTHS teachers held their daily morning meeting at the beginning of 1st period, where teachers offered students an opportunity to share concerns and, in turn, provided encouragement and assurance. In addition, HTHS counselors continue to be available to students who may want to talk privately about school safety or other concerns, according to Neill.
“We wanted our teachers and students to feel safe and supported today,” Neill stated. “This afternoon, I met with the HTHS team to check in on the day, review procedures, and be aware in case someone is in need. It’s been a very normal school day.”
Related Story: HTHS student suspended for terroristic threats
The Trussville Police Department (TPD) was investigating a terroristic threat that was made on Friday, Sept. 16, when they were notified that, last school year, the same student had created a “death notebook” containing 37 names.
A parent source said that five students whose names were written in the book had specific methods of their death. The parent said that one of the methods was “shot by an AK-47.”
Rush said that the student responsible for the “death notebook” created it based on the show “Death Note,” where a character discovers a book that, if someone’s name is written in it while the writer imagines that person’s face, he or she will die.
The student has been reportedly suspended, according to the Rush. Concerned parents have informed The Tribune that the student was reportedly sent to alternative school for 20 days after a hearing was held with the school system on Tuesday, Sept. 20.
Rush said TPD has notified all the parents of the students whose names were written in the book. The parents of the student responsible for the book were not notified when the original incident took place.