APRIL 20, 1999 - LITTLETON, COLO.
Local parents discuss shootings
Forums provide platform for people to express their concerns
By Julie Poppen
Camera Staff Writer
For one Boulder area woman, news of the Columbine High School massacre triggered frightening memories of her brother, who was shot multiple times in a Texas drive-by. He recovered.
Another said the school slayings prompted thoughts of a terrible car accident. Still another mother wondered whether it was OK to check her 11-year-old son's backpack for drugs or weapons.
Those and other comments and concerns were aired at four school district forums Thursday night aimed at giving parents tips on dealing with their feelings and those of their kids after one of the worst acts of terrorism at a school.
Perhaps because of rain, only a handful of parents showed up at the session at Burbank Middle School's auditorium, where five therapists, a translator, three Boulder Valley principals, one administrator and some social workers were at the ready.
Psychotherapist Elizabeth Lazarus, a former school counselor in Jefferson County schools — the district where the shooting rampage took place — said the incident shocked "all of us to the core of our beings."
"We have to come to terms with it," Lazarus said. "Life does go on and we're the survivors."
The therapists agreed it was important for adults to be aware of what they were going through because it would affect their kids.
"If we only feel anger, that's what they'll start feeling," therapist Barbara Miller said. "If we start feeling only hopeless, that's what they'll start feeling."
Mike Thomson, the Boulder Valley director of legislative and community affairs, provided an update on school security. He cited added police presence and a review of plans at each school to handle crises. He said the district discussed banning trench coats similar to those worn by the killers at Columbine High — something other metro school districts have done. In the end, Boulder Valley decided against it.
"We don't want to identify certain students as problems just because of the clothes they wear," Thomson said.
As for metal detectors, Thomson said the district didn't feel the community was ready for them.
One mother said her son asked her why schools don't do drills for shootings, as they do for fires and tornadoes.
The value of drills for preparedness might be overshadowed by its negative effect on pupils, especially at elementary and middle schools, said Don Stensrud, Southern Hills Middle School principal. "It is so traumatic."
In the Centaurus High School auditorium, lined with red hearts and student names that created a "line of safety" in the room, about 15 parents and a student discussed the need for better security, dress codes and a commitment from parents to maintain close relationships with kids. One participant suggested using parents as additional security monitors.
"The problem lies in the people and parents who are not here," said 42-year-old Vic Johnson.
Camera staff writer Chris Joeckel contributed to this report.
April 23, 1999
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BACKGROUND
Full index of the shooting Reconstruction of the shooting Timeline Location the school Floorplan Weapons used
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AUDIO
'Friend of Mine' Listen to the Columbine Memorial song sung by Columbine students Jonathan and Stephen Cohen.
911 tapes
Interview with Arun Ghandi |
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PHOTOS
A Daily Camera photo essay detailed the tragedy of April 20 and the recovery and remembrance in the following weeks: photo essay
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INTERACT
In light of the shooting on April 20, should the state legislature allow people to carry concealed weapons? vote here
With the recent rise in school violence, do you feel schools are still safe? vote here
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THE INVESTIGATION
Gunmen paid for weapons, teenager claims CHS investigators focus on computers Investigators try to disprove third CHS shooter Man charged with selling handgun to child FBI investigator's son linked to case Agents creating models of Columbine Teen targeted by sheriff denies involvement in school attack Arrest in Columbine shooting Killer reportedly took Luvox antidepressant Officials no closer to arresting suspects Detectives question shooter's girlfriend Security videotapes at school may show whether gunmen had help Bombs found in cafeteria Portraits of the killers Killer's diary describes plot of hate |
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SCHOOL VIOLENCE
Violence in Georgia School violence stuns nation Teen wounds six fellow students Teens charged in alleged school attack plot Michigan teenagers charged in plot Other school shootings 1927 school bombing killed nearly 40 children Suspensions, arrests across country La. school site of another shooting Facts: Death in schools 'Blood in the School Yard', from the Cincinnati Post full series |
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REACTION
High schools' 'cult of the athlete' under scrutiny Parents of Columbine shooters sued Suit planned against parents of Columbine High shooters Columbine spurs interest in home schools Columbine healing fund raises $2.3 million Safe Night aims to curb youth violence CU frat shows support for Columbine 'Healing bear' arrives to help in Littleton Doctors: Guilt a normal reaction for survivors School security business surges Media the message? Broomfield couple campaigns to 'Erase the Hate' Clint Talbott - BVSD rejects dress code What now? Video of Clinton's Wednesday morning speech Video of Clinton's Tuesday speech
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GUNS AND LAW
GOP tinkers further with gun legislation Columbine dad lobbies Washington Group forms to back gun control Poll says two-thirds in U.S. support tougher restrictions on guns Senate passes more gun controls Columbine killers also wounded the NRA Senate rejects any new restrictions on gun-show sales Dems want special session Gun control strife House won't debate gun bill New gun laws on table Leaders scrap gun bills Guns and legislatures |
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HOW TO HELP
- The Denver Rocky Mountain News has established a drive to raise money for a memorial to the victims of the Columbine High School tragedy. Contributions may be mailed to the Columbine Memorial Fund, c/o The Jefferson Foundation, 809 Quail St., Building 1, Lakewood, CO 80215.
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