Comments triggered by the March 7, 2001 shooting at Santana High School in Santee, California.

"I am sad about this latest shooting. It's my opinion that young people aren't getting enough attention, at school or at home. If the teenager who did the shooting was always being made fun of, as some at his school said, did he ever talk about this to an adult ? Like his parents? If not, maybe his parents never knew. And if they didn't, why didn't they know about this humiliating thing that was happening to their son all the time at his school? I am making an assumption here, but I feel that parents need to talk with thier kids more and find out what things may be bothering them. Maybe the lastest shooting could have been avoided if the teenage shooter could have gotten some help, talked with and received more attention from his parents. Certainly teachers at his school were aware of the humiliating comments being made to the student. Did they do anything to stop it? Another assumption, I doubt it."   
Bonnie Schmidt, former special ed teacher, Carmel California)    
                                                                                                                                       
“News of the shooting is too sad for words. Is the cause a school issue, a family issue, or a problem of our society at large?  I have thought long and hard about this. I am thinking that there is enough responsibility (blame) to go around. We must all step up to the plate and do what we can to help children in need.”
Phyllis Betts, elementary school principal, Spokane, Washington
                                                                                                                                   

"Education takes place in many areas of a young person's life. It is not confined to formal schooling. Adult role models, life experiences, peer influences, and the media all play a part.

"Most important is a caring relationship with an adult, preferably a parent. An adolescent who is trying to find who he is, where he fits into the scheme of things, needs guidance. He needs someone he can trust, someone who will listen to him. Sympathetic understanding and wise counsel could prevent a tragic outcome such as the recent school shooting. In today's world such a person is frequently unavailable. If he has no one to whom he can express his feelings, a young person is apt to find socially unacceptable ways to release his emotions.

"There are, unfortunately, many negative influences surrounding young people today. If there is no positive, caring connection, they will fill the vacuum. There are all kinds of homes where one can find adolescents leading constructive, successful lives. Rich or poor, single or two parent families can raise children who will contribute to society. The key is a close relationship with strong values that are not only taught, but lived on a daily basis."  
Geraldine Watts, former Director of Mae Carden School in Oakland, California