Addressing the Increase of Threats

As we strive to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, I am writing to address an important issue that requires the attention and cooperation of both our school community and families. Recently, there has been an increase in reports of students making threats, either in person or online. While some may perceive these threats as pranks or jokes, it is essential to understand that all threats—regardless of intent—are taken very seriously and have significant consequences.

We encourage you to take some time to talk with your student about the importance of their words and actions, both in school and online. It’s crucial for students to understand that:

• Making threats, even as a joke, can have serious legal and disciplinary consequences.
  Threats disrupt the school environment and trigger responses that involve law enforcement, which can lead to criminal charges or other severe penalties. School disciplinary action may include suspension, or even expulsion; threats of mass violence will result in both suspension and expulsion.

• Online behavior is just as important as in-person behavior.
  Threats made on social media, in text messages, or through other digital platforms are subject to the same scrutiny and consequences as those made face-to-face.

• School safety is everyone’s responsibility.
  Creating or sharing threatening messages, rumors, or inappropriate content not only puts the safety and well-being of others at risk but can also affect the futures of those involved. Reinforce the phrase if you see something, say something to your student to encourage them to tell an adult before sharing or re-posting any potential threat. Student's can be held responsible even if they are not the originator of the threat.

Our district has policies and procedures in place to ensure a swift and thorough response to any threat, and we are committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to address these situations appropriately. We ask that you help us by reinforcing the importance of respectful and responsible behavior with your children. Let them know that making a threat is never a joke, and the consequences can be life-changing.

The partnership between families, students, and the school district is very important and we value your support. Together, we can ensure a safe environment where all students can learn and thrive.