Dear parents:
It is our practice as a district to keep parents informed about their students’ safety at all times, and we felt it was important to inform you of an incident that took place this morning at Mohonasen High School.
Administrators were informed at approximately 11 a.m. of threats made against the school on social media by a high school student. Police were immediately notified, and the student was questioned by police. During their preliminary investigation at the school, police determined the student was not in possession of weapons during school and that there was no threat to students’ or staff members’ safety.
Because this is now a police matter, we cannot provide more specifics on this case. We can assure you that this incident is a clear violation of the district’s Code of Conduct, which states that possessing a weapon, displaying what appears to be a weapon or threatening to use any weapon are violations that result in immediate external suspension. (You can view the district code of conduct online.)
Students are often the best eyes and ears in cases like these, and the students who reported this incident to an adult in the building are to be commended for their actions.
While an incident of this nature can be alarming, it is also an opportunity to remind parents, students and staff of the importance of maintaining a welcoming and secure learning environment. If you or your child ever witness or hear about a weapon brought onto school property or a threat made against the school, please report the information to the school officials immediately. Together, with a school community that is informed, alert and ready to act, we will continue to keep our students safe and our schools weapon free.
We ask that parents take time to discuss today’s events with their children and address any anxiety they may have. You can also read information on talking with children about school violence from the National Association of School Psychologists.
Should you have any questions about this incident or our safety procedures, we welcome you to contact the high school principal’s office at 356-8300 or my office at 356-8200.
Dr. Kathleen A. Spring
Superintendent of Schools