3rd-Graders Aimed to Hurt Teacher - AP

I have no answers to any of the questions I've gotten about the story out of Georgia
"3rd-graders Aimed to Hurt Teacher " about a plot cooked up by a group of 3rd graders to hurt their teacher in retaliation for reprimanding one of them. The plot included duct tape, handcuffs and a knife and materials for covering the windows during the attack and cleaning up afterwards.

I am horrified. I'm upset. I'm bewildered. I'm a lot of things. I have a lot of questions but no answers right now.

The story did remind me though of a wonderful surprise birthday party that one of my second grade classes planned for me. It involved music, a cake, snacks and soda, cards and gifts. I was amazed that the children were able to plan it so well, they got their parents involved for some of the bigger items. Michael G. was the planner and leader and he did a great job. I still smile when I think of it. That's the kind of planning young children should be doing. Planning for parties, playing, thinking about summer vacation or gym or music class.

What's going on? Why the violence in our schools? Why the violence among young children? I recall the studies after 9/11 that suggested that violent acts will rise in number and that the violence will be exhibited by younger and younger children. Is that what we're seeing now? Where is this coming from?

It's time to take a really close look at what's going in our schools (BEYOND test scores) on and a closer look at what every adult can do to help stop the violence.