With Precautions In Place, Officials Expect Normal Day of School Monday

Although precautions are being taken at the Canton Middle/High School Monday due to a threat found on a boys room stall last month, the day will be much like any other, school officials said.

“Our position is that April 2 will be a regular school day,” Superintendent Kevin Case said.

In mid March, the words "4-2-12 All Gonna Die" were found on the stall in the high school, Case said at the time.

Police believe the threat is not credible but will show a greater presence at the school Monday and last week Case released a letter going into more detail about the investigation. In the letter, Case stated that the nature of the threat and its location were two factors in the belief that it was not credible.

The letter, available here, also reminded students that there will be increased police presence at the school and detailed some safety procedures for the day.

On Friday, police Chief Christopher Arciero also confirmed that police are not just limiting their activity to Monday but would be taking action before and after.

“We are taking additional steps,” said Arciero, who added that he could not be more specific.

Arciero also reiterated that he feels comfortable with students attending Monday. He said he’s been asked if he would send his own daughter if she attended the school and the answer is yes.

“I think the school will be extremely safe and if feel it will be a normal day for students and staff,” he said.

However, school officials did acknowledge that some are talking about keeping their kids home Monday.

“School will be in session and we encourage students to attend. However, parents know their children the best and need to make the attendance decision themselves,” principal Gary Gula wrote in a weekly e-mail to parents. “If you do decide to keep your teenager home, please call the school and the absence will be marked as excused.”

The e-mail also stated that students who did not attend school would, as usual, not be allowed to participate in other school activities.