District bars students who allegedly heard of shooter's plans

Katy said she thought the suspect was kidding.

SANTEE, California (CNN) -- Four students, who allegedly knew about a planned shooting rampage at Santana High School but didn't tell authorities, will not be returning to campus anytime soon, the school superintendent said Thursday.

Authorities had previously said three students may have known about Monday's attack, which left two students dead and 13 people wounded.

Charles Andrew Williams, a 15-year-old student, has been charged in the shootings.

VIDEO A school supervisor distracted the gunman from shooting at least one student, and was shot himself. Correspondent Esther Trouw reports Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) CNN's Maria Hinojosa reports on how bullying affects kids and their parents Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) CNN's Angela Astore has more on the the violence in American schools Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)    GALLERY Images of the aftermath of the Santana High School shooting in Santee, California    RESOURCES Diagram of the Santana High School shooting scene List of Santana victims Timeline of recent school shootings Risk factors for school violence Talking about school violence Santee, California, and Santana High School profiles Gallup Poll: Parents on school shootings     ALSO Study: Kids rate bullying and teasing as 'big problem' An epidemic of violence Terror, heroism fill high school hallways Tighter security planned Friday for Santana High after threat

Grossmont Union School District Superintendent Granger Ward said the four students are not being punished, but he is concerned for their safety.

"We have been in contact with the families of four students who allegedly had prior knowledge," he said. "We are working with these families to determine the best program for their children. This is not a punitive action. We are working with them and, on a voluntary basis, we are assisting them to have their child enrolled in another program at the school district."

One of the students banned from campus said she did not believe Williams was serious when he made the alleged threats.

"He said, 'I'm joking. You can trust me. I'm just joking,' " said Katy, who asked that her last name not be used during an interview with CNN.

Katy said the episode had left her confused and hurt. "I can't even figure out what I'm trying to feel right now," she said.

Her mother, Karen Boaz -- who has a different last name -- said the four students should not be ostracized. "If the school's saying that this is a safe environment, let the kids return," she said.

Students, meanwhile, were on edge at the school because of a threat received by one pupil.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department was investigating the threat, which was sent to the student at Santana via instant messaging on the Internet. According to Ward, the message threatened to "complete what Andy hadn't finished."

The message said more violence could be expected Friday. Sgt. Mike Radovich, with the sheriff's department, said the threat is being investigated and security would be beefed up at the school Friday.

"We are going to assume that it's serious until proven otherwise," he said.

A sheriff's spokesman said a second Internet threat had been sent to a student at neighboring West Hills High School, and that also is under investigation.

The Secret Service's findings on school shootings
March 6, 2001
Investigators: Teen 'reloaded 4 times'
March 5, 2001
Talking about school violence
March 5, 2001
Detroit high school shooting injures 3
March 2, 2001
Student dies after shooting outside Baltimore high school
January 17 2001
Sex scenes more frequent on television, study finds
February 6, 2001
Student killed in Michigan elementary school shooting
February 29, 2000
Suspect in custody after school shooting in Oklahoma
December 6, 1999
Teen TV, reckless or responsible?
April 29, 1999

Kaiser Family Foundation
Talking With Kids About Tough Issues
Nickelodeon: Talking with Kids
Nickelodeon Talk!

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.