I had a parent call during 5th period. I told him I was in the middle of teaching and I would call back during lunch. His kid came in during the first 1-3 minutes of lunch and dropped off the essay that is due today. I called the parent back and the parent said that he is very concerned because the essay that is about to be turned in is very very disturbing. I said that I would read it right now and call back. So I did. Yeah, this essay is seriously disturbing. It is full of, “I hate everyone. There is no such thing as friendship. People will be better off if they are killed. I want to die because my life is pointless.” Nine fucking pages of this. With graphic descriptions of how people should be killed.
I called his father back to talk about it. The kid told his dad that school ended at noon today, but that was a lie. The kid told me when he dropped off the paper that he had an appointment and wouldn’t be in class. And he isn’t here.
The police have been notified. The school is looking for him. His father is calling every person who has ever known him.
I freaked out and put up posters covering my windows so you can’t see in from the outside. I usually keep my door unlocked so it can be opened without even turning the door handle and right now it is locked. My students are looking at me like I am crazy, but …
I can feel the adrenaline rushing. I didn’t really think I would have days like this at work.
Yikes! I’m glad you and the father got in touch with each other. I hope they find the guy without incident and he gets help.
Stay safe. You’ll be in my thoughs and prayers.
Shit, that sucks! I hope you get this thing figured out without incident!
Sounds like you’re taking decent precautions – is there somebody at the school you could/should talk to? Given some of the drills they’ve had you do, maybe they’ve got somebody who should know about this?
I’d be freaked out, but encouraged. People who really snap and cause harm rarely give warnings like that first. Not to discount the obvious distress this kid is probably in, but this strikes me as “miserable call for help” rather than “letter of intent.” As long as the proper authorities have been notified (faculty, police, local sheriff, mental health staff, etc) I’d be more worried that you’ll never see him again.
I’m really glad his father is paying enough attention to notice this. I’m really glad you were on top of things. It sounds like you’re doing everything you can, within reason, to help.