St. Stanislaus School in East Chicago, Indiana, is facing a shocking incident involving a fifth-grade teacher who allegedly created a “kill list” targeting students and staff. The teacher, Angelica Carrasquillo-Torres, a 25-year-old educator from Griffith, Indiana, was taken into custody after making disturbing comments to a student. The incident has sparked concern among parents and the community, raising questions about school safety and the well-being of students.
Alarming Statements and a Disturbing List
The incident unfolded on Wednesday when a fifth-grade student at St. Stanislaus School reported to their counselor that their teacher, Carrasquillo-Torres, had made comments about killing herself, students, and staff. The student further revealed that the teacher had a list and that they were at the bottom of it. The remarks left the student and their parents deeply worried and fearful for their safety.
Upon learning of the report, school officials immediately took action. Carrasquillo-Torres was escorted to the principal’s office for questioning, where she admitted to making the statements and confirmed the existence of a “kill list.” Although she mentioned a specific student’s name, she did not provide the full list of names.
Swift Response and Investigation
The principal of St. Stanislaus School wasted no time in addressing the alarming situation. Carrasquillo-Torres was instructed to leave the school premises, pending a thorough investigation. However, it was later discovered that the East Chicago Police Department was not notified until four hours after the incident occurred, allowing the teacher to freely leave the school. Once informed, the police immediately took action and obtained an emergency detention order for Carrasquillo-Torres from the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
Ensuring Student Safety and Well-being
The safety and well-being of the students at St. Stanislaus School is of utmost importance to the school administration. In light of the incident and the potential emotional impact on students, classes will be held virtually on Friday, with counseling services made available to support those in need. The school is taking every precaution to ensure a safe and supportive environment for its students and staff.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the incident involving Carrasquillo-Torres is currently ongoing. While she has been taken into custody, no charges have been announced at this time. The authorities are working diligently to gather all the necessary evidence and information to fully understand the scope of the situation. The community is anxiously awaiting further details and hoping for swift justice.
Reassurance from School Officials
The principal of St. Stanislaus School, Mr. Foy, has addressed parents directly to provide reassurance and accurate information about the incident. In a letter, he emphasized that student safety was never compromised and that the school continued to operate normally while addressing the situation. He also stated that counseling services would be available for any students or staff members who wished to discuss the incident and its impact.
Collaboration with Diocese of Gary
The Diocese of Gary’s Office of Catholic Schools has been actively involved in supporting Principal Foy and the school community during this challenging time. They have commended Foy for following the appropriate crisis protocol, ensuring student safety, and maintaining open communication with families and staff. The office will continue to provide guidance and assistance as the situation unfolds.
Impact and Community Response
The incident at St. Stanislaus School has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving parents and students deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of all those involved. Many parents are considering alternative options for their children’s education and are calling for increased security measures within the school. The community is rallying together to support the affected students and families during this difficult time.
A Reminder of the Importance of School Safety
This unsettling incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust safety measures in schools. It highlights the importance of fostering an environment where students feel safe and protected, both physically and emotionally. Schools must remain vigilant in identifying and addressing any potential threats to ensure the well-being of their students and staff.
Looking Ahead: Justice and Healing
As the investigation progresses, the community is hopeful that justice will be served and that steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The focus remains on healing and supporting the affected students, families, and staff members. St. Stanislaus School and the East Chicago community are determined to come together and ensure that all students can continue their education in an environment free from fear and harm.
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