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Modesto grade-schooler reportedly writes "kill list"
[February 08, 2013]

Modesto grade-schooler reportedly writes "kill list"


MODESTO, Feb 08, 2013 (The Modesto Bee - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A Fremont Elementary fourth- or fifth-grader has written a "kill list" against some of her classmates, a parent at the school says. Police are investigating and the school district told parents in a note sent home today that no children are in danger.



Modesto City Schools Director of K-6 Educational Services Kim Newton said she could not confirm such a list exists, only that there is "an ongoing investigation regarding student discipline and student- prepared materials." Parent Bernita McKinney said the list was handwritten in a notebook and her child and others have been punched or pushed by the girl in playground incidents over the past year.

"How is (my child) going to go to school and feel safe " she asked.


McKinney said she wants assurance that the child no longer is on campus. "I feel like parents deserve to know," she said. But by California law, the district cannot release information on discipline of individual children. "Truly, we don't believe anybody's in any danger," Newton said, but could not comment on any action taken regarding the specific child. In the note sent home today, Principal Susan Fisher writes, "We want you to know that we are deeply interested in the safety of your child. Please be assured that all efforts are being made to continue to provide the safest environment for your son or daughter." Newton said behavioral interventions and mental health services are available to all students when a need arises. The school uses the PeaceBuilders violence prevention curriculum.

Bee education reporter Nan Austin can be reached at [email protected] or (209) 578-2339, on Twitter, @NanAustin, www.modbee.com/education.

___ (c)2013 The Modesto Bee (Modesto, Calif.) Visit The Modesto Bee (Modesto, Calif.) at www.modbee.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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