The purpose of this correspondence is to provide clarity to some events impacting the school environment at the MS/HS today. First of all, the MS/HS building is not on lock-down today; however, the administration has increased security in and around the building including the presence of Benton County law enforcement personnel. The administration has been dealing with and investigating rumors of violence occuring on campus.
After many discussions with students and parents and investigative work it is belief of the administration that the rumors and discussions about an incident of violence happening at the MS/HS is unfounded. That said, we realize that we can never guarantee and predict human behavior and as a result, the increased efforts in security today. The District will always take rumors seriously and have and will continue to take steps to provide the safest environment for students and staff.
We can assure you that these types of rumors concern all of us. In the event a school building is placed in a lock down for safety reasons all buildings in the District will be notified. In addition, parents of any building involved in a lock-down will be notified through the School Reach and Iowa School Alerts parental notification system the school district utilizes.
While technology and social media sites have valuable uses, we would remind students and parents of the negative impacts that can result as well from rumors that are not based on facts. If you are unsure about a matter pertaining to the school district or a school building, I would encourage you to email or call the administration. Often one of the worse thing that happens on days and in situations like this is to dramatize and sensationalize the event or make comments that cannot be substantiated in a positive way.
I would like to thank the administration,staff, and students at the MS/HS for their efforts and diligence today in dealing with a sensitive and difficult matter. As a school community, it is important that we reflect on the issues of the past couple of days and move forward together.
