In the aftermath of the noncredible social media threat made by a CMS student last night, there continues to be a great deal of concern and misinformation surrounding the incident.
In addition, this afternoon there was a threatening comment made by a student on a CMS bus. Students who overheard the comment told a parent who in turn shared it with me. I immediately notified the Collinsville Police Department.
I have spoken with the parent of the student who made the threatening remark on the bus. The student and parent insist it was meant as a joke, not a threat of violence against the school. Nevertheless law enforcement is looking into the matter.
This is exactly what should take place when a threat is seen or overheard. We encourage students and parents to speak up and let the school know so we can involve law enforcement. The police department is equipped to professionally investigate each situation and let us know if the threat is credible and if our students are at risk of being harmed.
The Collinsville Police Department continues to assure us these matters are unrelated and in no manner indicate a coordinated or looming threat against Collinsville Middle School.
If this information changes, we will be informed by CPD and take action to alert your family and the community. We expect tomorrow and the coming days to be typical school days focused on learning and our usual array of extracurricular activities.
It is important that you tell your children threats of violence are taken seriously and are not a joking matter. It is also important that you and our school staff assure students they are safe at school.
Officer Porter, our School Resource Officer, is a visible presence at CMS every day. In addition, our staff is trained to recognize signs of anxiety and stress in students. There are resources available to you and your child. Contact me or any CMS staff member if your child is feeling anxious about being at school.
If you have questions or concerns about what has transpired this week, I urge you to reach out to me by calling the school (618-343-2100) or sending me an email [email protected].