Local juvenile offices respond to school threats via social media

SIKESTON — As social media threats continue to target local school districts, juvenile offices in Scott, Mississippi, New Madrid and Pemiscot Counties on Monday, Sept. 16 reminded their communities of consequences for making school threats.

Within the past week, several area school districts including Sikeston, Poplar Bluff, Kennett, Charleston, Cape, Kelly, New Madrid County R-1, Jackson and more have been notified they are targets of threats made via social media.

On Monday, 33rd Circuit Chief Juvenile Officer Phillip Warren released the following message via the circuit’s Facebook page.

“Due to the increased amount of school threats, let this post serve as a reminder that this office does not and will not tolerate any threats made towards any school in Scott or Mississippi County,” Warren said. “We will pursue all available avenues when responding to these types of threats, including but not limited to: endangering charges against parents, detention of juveniles, child abuse/neglect hotlines, filing of charges with the juvenile court, placement in a Division of Youth Services facility, and possibly certification to stand trial as an adult. Report, do not repost.”

Michele Atchley, chief juvenile officer for the 34th Circuit which includes New Madrid and Pemiscot counties, released a similar post on Monday.

“Due to the increased threats in our counties as well as surrounding counties, this post should serve as a reminder that the 34th Circuit Juvenile Office will NOT tolerate any threats made towards any school,” Atchley said in a message released by the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department. “Parents/guardians should have conversations with students about the seriousness of these offenses as we intend to pursue all available avenues when responding to these types of threats including but not limited to: detention of juveniles, potentially filing of formal charges with the juvenile court, placement in the Division of Youth Services and possibly certification to stand trial as an adult.”

The posts from the chief juvenile officers come after social media threats on local schools continued over the weekend.

Early Monday, Sept. 16, Scott County Sheriff Wes Drury said the sheriff’s office was made aware of numerous online posts concerning potential threats to schools including Scott County R-4 “Kelly” School District particularly.

“Our staff is working closely with the schools to investigate any posts containing a possible threat,” Drury said. “The staff at the sheriff’s office and the schools inside Scott County are working closely to ensure the safety of students and staff. We do not currently believe there is a credible threat at this time; however, we are looking closely into the issue.”

Presence is the first deterrent, Drury said.

“So do not be alarmed if you see more deputies than normal at the schools in the coming days,” Drury said. “This will become a regular part of our routine. “Again, if there are any concerns, please report the posts; do not reshare.”

Posts can be reported by contacting school officials or law enforcement, Drury said.

Kelly Superintendent Dr. Bradley Kolwyck said on Monday the safety of students and staff is of the highest priority.

“We will continue to collaborate with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office,” Their regular presence on campus is appreciated. Thank you to Sheriff Drury and his staff for being available to help the school district protect the students and staff.”

Over the past three years, the district has invested in the highest level of security for schools, Kolwyck said. Beyond that, the Kelly district employs two full-time, armed school resources officers who patrol campus every day, the superintendent said.

“Reporting versus reposting any type of threatening message is the best course of action,” Kolwyck said. “The district and law enforcement take all threats seriously and collaboratively will work together to investigate all reports. … We join all of the other local schools in the area that have experienced this type of behavior over the past week in stating that these types of posts are unacceptable and the individual or individuals responsible will face serious consequences.”

Several local schools relayed similar messages Sunday and Monday.

Sikeston R-6 Superintendent Shannon Holifield released a 60-second video message to parents on Friday, Sept. 13, reassuring them that student safety is the district’s No. 1 priority. She also commended Sikeston Department of Public Safety, the juvenile office, administrators and staff for their hard work and dedication to the safety of the district. The superintendent also reminded everyone to report, not repost threats.

Sikeston Pubic Schools’ also communicated via its official Facebook page with a message late Sunday, Sept. 15.

“We are aware of a new social media post threatening student safety and are working with law enforcement while it is investigated,” Sikeston Public Schools said Sunday. “We want to again stress we will not tolerate threats made towards our staff or students.

The post continued: “Our No. 1 priority will always be our students’ safety. We will have added police presence at our buildings. We want to encourage our students and families to report not repost.”

Charleston R-1 School District also took to Facebook Sunday to reassure its students, parents and community.

“We are aware of a recent social media post in which students appear to be using a threat in attempt to get schools canceled,” Charleston R-1 said in its Facebook post. “This trend has hit other area schools, and now it has arrived at Charleston. While it has been determined that the threat is unsubstantiated and part of the trend, Charleston R-1 Schools are taking it seriously.” Superintendent Jamarcus Williams said safety and security of Charleston schools is of utmost importance, and the district has been in communication with other school leaders and with law enforcement.

At this time, Williams said the school week will proceed as usual with its current security measures, along with increased law enforcement presence.

”The investigation is ongoing, and there will be consequences for anyone participating in this trend,” the superintendent said.

Williams urged parents to remind their children to report and not repost when they see threatening messages on social media.

New Madrid County R-1 also shared a message to its official Facebook page.

“We are aware of a recent social media trend where students are using threats in an attempt to cancel school. Unfortunately, this trend has now reached New Madrid County R-1 School District,” the post said late Sunday. “While the threat has been determined to be unsubstantiated and part of the trend, please know that we are taking it seriously. The safety and security of our schools is always our top priority, and we have been in close contact with school leaders and law enforcement to ensure a safe environment for all.”

New Madrid County R-1 Superintendent Bridgett Masterson took time Monday to reassure families student safety is their No.1 priority.

“This morning, we conducted metal detector and bag checks as part of our ongoing efforts to stay ahead of any potential concerns in response to the unfortunate nationwide trend of threats aimed at disrupting schools,” Masterson said. “I’m happy to report that no unlawful items were found.”

Masterson said these measures were taken simply out of caution.

“We urge parents to remind their children not to repost or spread threatening messages online,” the district said in its Facebook post Sunday. “Together, we can ensure a safe and secure space where our students can learn and grow.”