William Aberhart gun threat not handled properly, say students

SomeWilliam Aberhart High School students in northwest Calgary are upsetthe school's administration did not immediately share information about a possible shooting threat.

The student's threatto shoot a firearm at school before the end of Junewasdiscovered by an assistant principal during areview ofan anonymous student survey.

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It occurredlast Thursday,but the school did not inform students and parents until it sent a letter onMonday.

Despite the threat, the school proceeded with final exams.

According to the letter, signed by the principalTamie Annis-Johnson, William Aberhart did take measuresincluding the hiring of a security guard and locking all exterior doors, except the main entrance.

Calgary police have alsostepped up its presence at the high school.

'What if it actually happened?'

"It's worrying," said Grade 10 studentJack Walters."It's probably just someone letting off steam but still, there's always a, 'What if it actually happened?'"

Grade 12 studentBrittany Lockhart, 17, and Grade 11 student Asia Littleshields, 16,say the school should have acted more quickly to inform them of the threat.

"They should haveit's a danger to our lives. If someone's going to come and shoot up the school ... once they find out they should say something right away,"said Lockhart.

"Especially with the shootings around Orlando.... It's scary because it could happen to us and if we're getting threats I think they should notify us sooner," added Littleshields.

The administration is asking Aberhart studentsto stay vigilant and be aware of what is being written on their friends' blogs and social media posts.

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