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Security Stepped Up At Local School Because Of Gun Rumor Save Email Print
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(October 15, 2008)—Security was stepped up Wednesday at Ellison High School in Killeen in response to a rumor that a student planned to bring a gun to school.

No gun has been found, but as precaution Wednesday, officials inspected bags and backpacks and used metal detector wands as students entered the school.

Additional KISD and Killeen police officers are assigned to the school through the day and checkpoints are in place throughout the school.
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Posted by: Parent Location: Killeen on Oct 18, 2008 at 10:07 PM
I am just glad the Administration took the rumor serious and did something to protect our children going to the school. There job is difficult with the way the students act daily. PARENTS really need to do a better job of teaching respect. The parents probably do not get any respect from the "wonderful" children acting amuck in the school. Ellison staff does a great job, but they do not raise the children it is the parents responsiblity. Maybe you should think about that instead of whining when things don't go exactly the way you want them to.
Posted by: Future Police Location: Killeen on Oct 18, 2008 at 02:24 AM
Police gave themselves a bad name. Some of them go overboard with their jobs because of the badge and the gun. They act like they are not human. They put their pants on the same as we do. I respect them but don't fear them, I have no problems with telling an officer when he or she has crossed the line. Most will quickly re-group, while a few will still play billy bad. The recent suit against KISD and the officer speaks for it's self, bet it isn't the first time and won't be the last that an officer physically assaults a child in the name of duty. I have also worked for the district as a sub-teacher, so I have seen first hand what goes on in schools. I am also a Shoemaker parent. When Mr. Hawkins announced his retirement, he should have taken many with him. I agree that educating a child starts at home. However we place children in school to be farther educated and they are not getting it . What happen to when teachers really cared? Don't get me wrong there are still a few good ones lef.
Posted by: Teacher Location: Ellison on Oct 17, 2008 at 10:20 PM
For "concerned parent" in Belton, thank you. I truly believe that if PARENTS would do THEIR jobs, then our jobs would be so much easier..not to mention the schools would be a much safer place for all and a whole lot more LEARNING could take place. We, as teachers, spend so much time and effort trying to "parent" so many of these kids, and doing things for them that SHOULD be done for them by their parents, that it takes time away from other things. Parents like you give us hope though, so thank you for being INVOLVED. I know my own kids may get sick of my emailing their teachers, but I tell you what, they do NOT act out in class and they get straight A's, because they understand it is EXPECTED. Kids can do anything if the expectation is there. And for the most part, kids WANT these expectations.
Posted by: Ellison mom Location: Killeen on Oct 17, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Lee - So it was a rumor your son knew about. Did he tell anyone? Why do you assume just because your son knew that the administration knew as well? So the kids stood in a downpour. It's unfortunate but given a choice of a wet child or a dead child, I'll take the wet one every time. As far as the damage to the art desks, who do you think did all of that damage? It certainly wasn't the administration. It all comes down to parenting - if we don't teach our children to respect school property why do we blame the administration when they don't? With that said, I agree that Rainwater could use some classes in Human Relations.
Posted by: stacy Location: killeen on Oct 17, 2008 at 12:13 PM
To the teacher who stated that some of the children need better parenting, I agree, but you as staff need better training as well. You allow other students to ridicule, taunt and tease children who are considered misfits, and its normally those same children who devistate our schools with the guns and such. Until you can provide our children a safe place at school, and guarantee that your jobis 100% full proof, you do not have the right to say anything about the parenting. I have a child that attends HayBranch and when that standoff on Greengate was going on, less than a block away, KISD knew nothing about it. I had called them to ensure my child was safe because we live right by everything that was going on, there were snipers, police dogs, SWAT, mobile command centers and roads were blocked off, but your wonderful school district did not have the school on lockdown, so if this man were to get away from police he could have easliy entered the school. KISD AND STAFF NEED TRAINING!!!!!!
Posted by: Parent Location: Heker Heights on Oct 17, 2008 at 12:12 PM
I dont get it, everyone wants to complain about how their chilren had to stand in the rain, while their bags were searched, but if the school and police didnt do this, they would complain even more. I would rather my 10th grade daughter stand in the rain and have her bag searched than nothing to have been done. So I think yall should stop crying over it and be thankful they were protecting your children!
Posted by: concerned parent Location: Belton on Oct 17, 2008 at 11:36 AM
To "William"...Well said! I agree with you 100%.
Posted by: JC Location: Waco Area on Oct 17, 2008 at 11:11 AM
To Sharon of Killeen, It's pretty simple You Are on School Property At a FootBall game Sitting in your Vehicle when everyone else is in the stadium Stop and think about what goes on at Schools, and put yourself in his place.take a deep breath and let it out has the thought entered into your mind yet? it's called him doing his job Drug activity Drinking goes on in that area So why you being hard on the Police for??? Have you ever worn a badge and was sworn in to Protect and Serve the Community? My guess NO you havent so ease up on them Please They put their Lives on the Line to Protect Yours...
Posted by: Sharon Location: Killeen on Oct 17, 2008 at 10:00 AM
One Kisd Police Officer is rude, I am a parent who was at a football game at Leo Buckley. After half-time I became ill and went to my car to wait for my children. One of the officers who was no older then the students he is trying to oversee, came to my truck. He approached me with a bad attitude, his words were why are you out here? you can't be out here. I said excuse me Sir but I am not a student, I am an adult. He would not let me explain he immediately told me that he didn't care who I was or what I was doing. Now if he talks to a parent that way imagine how he deals with a child. I saw him as a little punk who was put in authority but doesn't need to be. His supervisor should march his young butt back to training. Had I been a student, he would have probably had me going to court, expelled from school or in alternative and for what? just an example of what our children are experiencing.
Posted by: lee Location: killeen on Oct 17, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Gun at School, well it was a rumor from a week agao after talking to my son and it was from the previous week before, so we should have tighten the security prior to tuesday morning, but i do not blame kisd police, but i do blame the admin staff and pricable who run the school, he allowed students to stand in a down pour for over an hour, when confronted on this he did not show any concern or it, as a dad and tax payer i will be at the next kisd meeting talking about ellison condition rooms not ready to teach in, no books for 7 weeks, after school starts, art tables that you can not do art on due to the damages on them, also broken chairs, runsted hand rails, rundown look of the school, so whatis the head guy doing all day, letting everyone off and not caring about his staff, but his pay raise and bonus, time to replace the kisd board and top guy at ellison , a shame to allow him to work there, ooo my favorite, when ask if he someting else to do, yes while talking to a parent, fire him
Posted by: JC Location: Waco Area on Oct 17, 2008 at 08:24 AM
For Student of Killeen, # things First off Ask your teacher to help you with spelling, 2 as for many of us older people we was taut to respect elders who we didnt even know so learn to respect them., 3rd its a public School and really they dont need to have permission to search or make you go through a metal detector. So with that maybe you will see the light there. just my 2 cents worth,now onto the story, as for myself I know first hand I used to go to every school in killeen and Every school has it's bad apples sort a speak but I have first hand witnessed fights and other activity, but I was in a position to where i had to just walk away from it to either go into the school or get back into my vehicle.transporting U.S. Currency to all schools, but this type of events happen at all public schools not just killeen Dont go blameing the districts this is a Nation wide problem that the Nation needs to handle, so before talking bad about 1 district when in fact the problem is Nationwide.
Posted by: william Location: waco on Oct 17, 2008 at 01:07 AM
I would venture a guess most of the parents complaining about safety at school are the same parents that would raise holy heck if a teacher put a paddle on their sweet darlings butt at school.How do you expect the teachers to control your little darlings when YOU have taken the tools out of their hands. If they had been taught manners at home they would display manners at school. You might as well get used to this type of behavior, it will get worse. Stop babying these thugs. They want to call the police names when they are there to protect them fine , lace em up and lock em up. Sooner or later they will see the pattern and act RIGHT or else. WAKE UP!!!
Posted by: David Location: Central Texas on Oct 17, 2008 at 12:29 AM
I know some of you say we have a lazy and dishonest police department which has a few bad apples like all jobs, they will get caught someday. Thank you for all that get involved and prevented something from happening. One other thing a lot of this is around the parents behavior and sporting events winning is not everything, but having fun losing and winning and sportsmanship is everything. Thanks
Posted by: David Location: Central Texas on Oct 17, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Looking at all the comments we must be all old school because of the bad grammar and spelling errors. No, wonder the kids are not learning what they need to learn. The schooling and learning continues at home. I believe some of the parents believe that school is a glorified baby-sitting organization. The Kids are smarter then the parents think but they have to have a chance and not be afraid of speaking up of what they see or hear and then telling the right people of what they heard. Not like some parents that see a crime and just shut the door and when the police ask if anyone had witnessed any of the crime that happened you either go on the offense and disrespect the police for doing there job, or say no I did not see anything or I do not want to get involved. Just think your child had just heard you lie to the police. Or you just do not want to get involved because someone might retaliate, and you might have to miss a few days of work for court appearances I know some of
Posted by: concerned parent Location: Belton on Oct 16, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Amen "Granny". I agree with you. And to "Teacher"...and ALL the other teachers around, thank you for caring enough to teach those that DO want to learn. I have 3 boys in Belton schools. I am an involved parent in the school/PTA. I pay attention to the kids my boys run around with, I monitor what they watch on tv and how much time they spend playing computer games. I do my best to teach them right from wrong at home. If more parents took an active role in their children's day to day lives these kids wouldnt be like they are today. Most of them lack rules and consequences when making bad choices. The basic building blocks begin at home.
Posted by: granny Location: tx on Oct 16, 2008 at 08:06 PM
My daughter teaches and my granddaughter is a student at Ellison, and I would like to thank the administration and the police for keeping them safe yesterday. I believe it's important for both the students and the teachers to feel safe. If teachers don't feel safe, how can you expect them to protect the students? We wouldn't have to worry about any of this if parents parented their children instead of expecting the schools to do it.
Posted by: teacher Location: Ellison on Oct 16, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Ido not apologize for my comment. I FELT SAFE...The students, more than a few of them, ridiculed the police and were talking to them in the most disrespectful way. Those that felt safe... they should thank the police themselves. I am speaking for ME. And it is not MY JOB to make them feel safe. Some of them need better parenting...if they had that, we would not be in this type of situation. Sorry...but that is the sad truth of it. I doubt I am the only one thinking this, although I may be the only one to say it....
Posted by: Texas Location: Texas on Oct 16, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Unfortunately it isnt just Ellison. This sort of thing is happening all over the country. Our schools are full of THUGS who only attend too sell drugs and hang with gang pals. They arent there to learn but when they cause trouble it takes away learning time from kids whose parents pay taxes to the school district. I beleive most of them go to college on sports scholarships and go on to play in the proffeesional arena. One only needs to read the sports section to see all the thugs that are getting supended for fighting and carrying on.
Posted by: Michelle Location: Central TX on Oct 16, 2008 at 04:45 PM
KISD...needs to have a better handle on the district...the students seem to be in harms way, no matter what....how would you feel if parents started pulling their children out of the district...stop sugar coating these dangerous situations...how can children get a decent education, when they no longer feel safe at school or other school functions....KISD..your letting these kids down....but, Dr. Farris wouldn't....the students are her 1st priority....
Posted by: Ellison Grad Location: Killeen on Oct 16, 2008 at 04:32 PM
KISD in general sucks!!!!!!That is why I homeschool...you cannot trust anyone at any level within the district...my child will never attend KISD schools again....
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: ft Hood on Oct 16, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Is it me or does the PARENT OF ELLISON STUDENT seem rather like the ELLISON STEDENT? SADD? KIDDS? Good grief, no wonder these kids are so messed up. (no, not all dangit). And to all you KIDDS. Respect the authority and it will respect you. You are NOT born with the right to respect, you EARN it.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 16, 2008 at 07:30 AM
So, "Teacher" you're glad that YOU felt safe? Isn't it YOUR responsibility to make sure the students felt safe? That comment made you seem a tad bit selfish. If you were going to thank the police, it should be because they kept the STUDENTS safe.
Posted by: CC Location: Killeen on Oct 16, 2008 at 01:50 AM
There should be metal detectors at all the doors and someone to monitor them at least in the mornings when they come to school to make sure they arn't throwing a backpack around it. I am surprised, do they not have them already after all the school shootings?
Posted by: CW Location: Temple on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:42 PM
Looking at the post from "Stedent of Ellison" certainly shows how educated our students are. I have a seven year old grandson that has better writing skills than "stedent" does. Maybe "Stedent" should have paid more attention for the last 8 to 10 years. Maybe he (or she) could at least have learned that he (or she) is a STUDENT. Not a very good one but we can always blame the teachers for his (her) stupidity. It is always someone elses fault when the student doesn't learn.
Posted by: Teacher Location: Ellison on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:36 PM
For the "stedent" of Ellison...it is really hard to give respect to a child with your attitude. The campus police show a great amount of respect considering they have to deal with those types of attitudes thrown in their face when they are trying to do their jobs.
Posted by: Teacher Location: Ellison on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:28 PM
I was there today, and I will say that the way the administration and police acted was amazing. It was handled as efficiently as it could have been in this situation. Some of the kids had horrible attitudes and called the police all sorts of names, but that speaks directly to the parenting of those kids, not to the teachers, school, or administration. I would like to say THANK YOU to the police and their dogs for making ME feel safe where I work. I would not trade working at Ellison for any other school in the district.
Posted by: Shoemaker Parent Location: Killeen on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:00 PM
What I have noticed at Shoemaker is that it isn't always the students with the behavior problems, The teachers are just as bad. The administor's are also rude, I called the office this morning to ask a simple question about todays schedule because it was PSAT testing. I was transferred 5 times, each time I was told to hold on and each person was rude. I finally had to get rude back to recieve the answer to my question which was simple. My senior had already taken the psat, what would they be doing while everyone was testing, did they need to attend class or stay home until testing is over such as they do during TAKS testing. How hard was that to answer you would have thought I ask for a million dollars in coins. The ladies were so rude and it was only 8 am in the morning school had not even started. Had they made an announcement prior to today, Seniors would have known where they needed to be.
Posted by: Madmax Location: Killeen on Oct 15, 2008 at 09:21 PM
You Liberals need to move to Austin. If someone is gonna do something bad, it is pretty hard to predict it. Give the Cops a break, they are doing all that they can..
Posted by: PARENT OF ELLISON STUDENT SOON TO BE AT ANOTHER SCHOOL Location: KILLEEN TX. on Oct 15, 2008 at 05:45 PM
THEY HAD ALL THOSE KIDDS IN THE RAIN THIS MORNING IT WAS SO SADD TO SEE THEM ALL OUT THERE AND THE SEC. IN THE FRONT OFFICE KEPT HANGING UP THE PHONES WHEN I CALLED TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON AND THE AP MR THORP WAS BEING SO DISRESPECTFUL TO ME AND THE STUDENTS
Posted by: Ellison mom Location: Killeen on Oct 15, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I don't know when this story came out but I do know my daughter's backpack was not searched this morning. A second incident at a volleyball game? There was a fight after a volleyball game last week. What is it with the violent volleyball games?
Posted by: STEDENT OF ELLISON Location: KILLEEN TX. on Oct 15, 2008 at 05:39 PM
NO BODY DID A GUN THREAT IT WAS JUST ANOTHEER WAY FOR MR RAINWATER ,MR THORP&& MRS.YEAR WOOD TO SEACRH EVERY ONE STUFF AND ITS NOT THAT OUE SCHOOL HAS A BAD REPUTATION ITS THE FACT THE SHCOLL OFFICIALS OVER REACT TO LITTLE STUFF BUT WHEN A [VARSITY]FOOT BALL PLAYER LAST YEAR OF THE SCHOOL YEAR OF 2008-2009BROUGHT A BEBE GUN TO SCHOOL MR. THORP TOOK IT FROM HIM AND SENT HIM BACK TO CLASS BUT NOW THIS YEAR AT ELLISON THEY [TRYING] TO DO BETTER AND THE ONLY WAY THEY THINK TO DO THAT IS TO GET POLICE INVOLVED AND WHICH IS NOT THE ANSWER BUT HEY WHAT EVER FLOATS THEIR BOAT AND IN MY OPINION THE CAMPUS POLICE SHOULD HAVE TO RESPECT THE STUDENTS IN ORDER FOR US TO RESPECT THEM ITS NOT ALL OF THEM JUST IN GENERAL -- A STUDENT OF ELLISON HIGH SCHOOL
Posted by: Texas Mom Location: Texas on Oct 15, 2008 at 04:46 PM
I wonder if the student's house was searched that was rumored to bring the weapon to school??? Seems that's where the searching needs to begin. Surely if there was a rumor that a gun was going to be brought to school that rumor also included the name of the student that was going to bring it.... just a thought.
Posted by: Killeen Parent Location: Killeen on Oct 15, 2008 at 04:25 PM
My daughter attends Ellison and has witnessed things that parent's are not notified of, but should be, at least I'd like to know when my child has been put in harms way. I'm glad she's a senior, and will be out of KISD SOON.
Posted by: Another Tem-Cat Parent Location: Temple on Oct 15, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Security should have been stepped up last Friday evening when the volleyball match was interrupted by a fight where a female student was being attacked by a bunch of thugs. The aggression was then turned to a young man who attempted to help her out. The icing on this messy cake was the shooting of a gun in the parking lot where our daughters were boarding the bus. Why wait until today when this has been brewing since last Friday night? Get a clue!
Posted by: DAD Location: Killeen on Oct 15, 2008 at 03:40 PM
I opened up this story and I'm not surprised because I talked to my kid and he said that it was rumored something was going to go down on wensday. Two things we need to do is stay involved in our kids life, which means checking on who they hangout with and pray for them each and every day. Remember it wasn't to long ago that a student got into a scuffel and ended up stabbing a Killeen Police Officer. These kids need parents, not just another friend. I'll keep praying not only for my child but for all kids safety.
Posted by: Teacher Location: Killeen on Oct 15, 2008 at 03:00 PM
It's amazing how unsubstatiated rumors are spread so quickly. I believe if you are going to post something make sure to have your facts straight. There was not shots fired at the game. I personally feel a lot safer knowing that the schools are taking prevenative measures to ensure the safety of the students during the school day.
Posted by: Temple Parent on Oct 15, 2008 at 01:30 PM
No mention of the window being shot out of a car in the parking Tuesday night as the volleyball teams were getting on the bus? This was after a fight during the varsity volleyball match where the coach and scorekeeper (who was an administator) were called out. Now they are worried about a gun at school? I would rather play at Shoemaker anytime, and Shoemaker has the "bad reputation".
Posted by: Ann Location: Temple on Oct 15, 2008 at 01:07 PM
Why do they not have metal detectors at all schools as there are at airports? I would rather have a child walk through a metal detector than for a catastrophe to occur. Nothing is done until something happens or something is rumored to happen.
Posted by: someone Location: killeen on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I work for one of the local schools. To many people want to blame someone other than the kids.I see our teachers bending over backwards and working with kids all the time. However some kids just arent going to get it. Some kids just wont get it not matter how hard one tries. I am on my fourth and last child with killeen schools the grass is not greener on the otherside. Killeen teachers you do a Rock solid job keep up the good work...
Posted by: Mom Location: Killeen on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:43 AM
OMG!!!
Posted by: Sandy on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:38 AM
My child attended Ellison last year and not one day went by that we didn't discuss a "plan of escape" if someone brought a gun. I witnessed numerous fights in the parking lot at pick-up time and heard of many more that occured throughout the day--almost every day. I know all schools are subject to dangerous situations, but today's news is just one more reason I'm glad I removed my child from this school.
Posted by: William Location: Salado on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:03 AM
I would be looking at all the schools, this is a perfect way for someone to target a school with less security if it is focused at one.
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