School Attendance Down After “Beheading” Threat

Many students in three Rhode Island communities have stayed home after the Johnston police reported receiving a letter threatening elementary school students

Many students in three Rhode Island communities have stayed home after the Johnston police reported receiving a letter threatening elementary school students.

The Johnston police on Tuesday received the anonymous letter threatening students in Johnston, Warwick and Cranston. Warwick police Chief Stephen M. McCartney said the letter said "beheading is planned."

The Providence Journal reports that school attendance dropped in Johnston, Warwick and Cranston despite efforts to provide a police presence in each school.

Johnston Superintendent Bernard DiLullo Jr. reported an absenteeism rate of 43 percent, with students in high school and middle school also staying out.

Richard D'Agostino at Warwick said about one-third of students stayed home Wednesday.

And Cranston school chief Judy Lundsten said about 39 percent of students were absent.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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