Area school districts respond to threats

Rumors of a threat to area schools plagued social media. Locally, Willow Springs, Mountain View and West Plains responded on their respective Facebook pages about rumors circulating online across the State of Missouri and other states throughout the country. All local districts stated that they are closely monitoring the information and take all reports of this nature seriously.

 

According to Courage2Report tip summary, there were 102 school shooting threats reported from July through September of 2024. The total for the 2023-2024 school year was 111. Schools responding to rumors included Mountain View, Willow Springs, West Plains, Poplar Bluff, Jackson, Twin Rivers, Charleston, Sikeston, Dexter, Kansas City, St. Louis and more

 

Mtn. View-Birch Tree School District Superintendent Lanna Tharp released a statement pleading with the community for help and support. "Some social media posts can cause stress on our students, families, and staff. Social media can also disrupt the learning environment. We ask that you talk to your child about the seriousness of making a threat or posting anything of a threatening nature (images of weapons, violent song lyrics, violent videos, etc.). Please help us emphasize to all students that making a threat against a public school or any student, whether it occurs on social media, in conversation, or in any other form has serious legal and disciplinary consequences."

 

Area schools are banding together and encouraging everyone to "Report, Don't Repost". If you have a concern, you can report it anytime through Courage2Report which is available 24/7. Tips can be submitted using one of the following: Download the mobile app Courage2ReportMO; call 866-748-7047; visit courage2reportmo.com; or text C2R to 738477 for a link. Courage2Report calls and tips are answered 24 hours a day. Reports are sent to the appropriate schools and law enforcement agency for investigation and follow-up. The number to contact is 866-748-7047.