Black Hawk Middle School cancels Friday classes after stabbing; experts urge families to talk

WARRENTON, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Black Hawk Middle School will be closed Friday after a student stabbed a teacher and two students Thursday, Warren County School District Superintendent Gregg Klinginsmith confirmed to First Alert 4.

All other district school buildings will hold classes Friday, Klinginsmith said.

Klinginsmith previously told First Alert 4 the student was detained by police within minutes after leaving the building. He said counseling would be available “as quickly as possible.” The district initially planned to resume classes at Black Hawk on Friday, before announcing the closure.

Dr. Tim Bono of Washington University said school is a place children typically associate with learning, friendships and caring adults. Violence there can disrupt their sense of safety.

He said returning can offer an opportunity to rebuild a child’s association of school with safety and security. He emphasized that the experience will be different for each child.

Bono encouraged parents to talk with their children and give them an opportunity to share how they feel about an eventual return.

“I do think that allowing, at least in the next couple of days, allowing the child to have some say in what’s going on, I think it is an important way for the child to regain a sense of autonomy,” he said.

Starting the conversation

Trauma coach Dr. Marty Casey, CEO of the Ungun Institute, also spoke with First Alert 4. She said families should talk openly about their feelings and what each person needs.

She also said authorities should assess whether the building is safe before students return and that support should be available for people affected in different ways.

Related coverage: Superintendent: Student detained within minutes after stabbing at Warrenton middle school

Bono suggested asking children open-ended questions, such as what they have heard about the incident and how it makes them feel. He said children elsewhere in the region may also feel anxious or sad after learning what happened, even if they do not attend the school.

Parents should validate children’s concerns, he said, and discuss the safety measures that are in place without promising that nothing can go wrong.

When to seek help

Bono said children may not always have the words to explain what they are feeling. Changes in behavior can include irritability, separation anxiety, becoming quieter than usual or reacting more strongly than they normally would.

He said parents can reach out to a mental health professional if they notice concerning changes, disrupted sleep or severe distress that persists and interferes with a child’s daily activities.

Casey said students, staff and families may need different kinds of support, from a place to take a break to someone they can talk with.

“We need to make sure that there are systems in place for everyone and we allow them to choose what they need,” she said.