Pocono News Section

Classes Resume at Canton Area

Classes Resume at Canton Area - Monday, October 1, 2007 at 1:04PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Oct 1, 2007 @01:04pm EST

CANTON, BRADFORD COUNTY- Classes resumed this morning in the Canton Area School District one week after threats of gang violence and a school shooting. Students were given three days off last week so that security measures could be upgraded.

Many of the students say they're happy to be getting back into their normal routine. But what wasn't normal today, two armed borough police officers who will now be in school as part of increased security measures.

School district leaders say the enhanced police presence should start getting students back on track, after threats of a school shooting last week.

Canton School Superintendent Jeffrey Johnston said, “I'm very confident that we want to get back to normal and back to educating our students."

The district originally planned to install metal detectors at the high school, but tabled that idea after logistical problems. Many parents and students say they think the five suspects who were arrested just wanted attention.

11th Grader Brian Belawske said, “They wanted attention. They were all picked on, and no one would do anything about it, so say said stuff and that's it."

Canton parent Joann Hadden said, “I think kids that did this should be punished to the maximum. I know one of the kids and he's a known trouble maker around here."

Police say the five suspects were all part of a "self-made" gang called the "Drive-by Kings." They all faced juvenile court hearings Friday and investigators say more charges could be coming.

Canton Police Chief Doug Seeley said, “I think there's more to come, whether there are more charges for others or the ones that we already have."

Besides an extra police presence in canton, students will also now have to contend with a tightened dress code, since the suspected gang members all wore black and white.

“No longer tolerate baggy clothes, baggy shirts hanging down over the jeans, that will not be permitted,” added Johnston.
District officials say they are also considering a formal dress code based on the incident. Classes began one hour late this morning, so teachers and then students could meet the new police officers.