Local schools fall victim to verbal, social media threats of violence aimed at students, staff

One might think the small towns of Lawrence County would be less likely to have to worry about the national upswing of violence and threats thereof that are plaguing the schools throughout the nation. That, however, is proving to not be the case.
Three local schools have recently been caught up in what seems to be the newest trend, with an increase in threats of violence both verbally and through social media, as well as daily student fights in many Lawrence County school districts.
This past week the superintendents from the Aurora and Mt. Vernon School Districts both sent out emails to parents notifying them of threats that had been received and investigated in both high schools and Mt. Vernon Middle School. Although both said they were determined not be a threat to the student or staff safety it is still unnerving and begs the question, “When will it end?”
 
The following letters were sent by email to parents of the Mt. Vernon School District last week.
Parents,
Good evening. High School Administrators were informed of a verbal threat of violence at the High School made this afternoon. In collaboration with law enforcement, the threat has been investigated and there is not a possibility the threat can be carried out. Appropriate disciplinary measures are being taken and students are not at risk from this situation.
In any instance of threatening speech, we encourage students and parents to contact school officials and/or law enforcement to allow us to resolve the situation swiftly and assure the safety of all involved.
Scott Cook
Mt. Vernon R-V Superintendant
Dated: Sept. 18, 2024
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Parents,
Good afternoon. I need to share additional information about a threatening situation at the High School this afternoon. A post was shared on Snapchat threatening gun violence to occur at the end of the day and several students and parents observed this post. Thankfully, administrators were immediately notified by both students and parents. High School administration was quickly able to trace the origin of the post and learned that it was a threat completely unrelated to Mount Vernon in any way. However, once the post was shared, it created a heightened level of concern among our patrons and students.
Out of an abundance of caution and to foster a sense of security, the Mount Vernon Police Department and Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office were able to send officers to the High School campus to observe the end of our school day. We are thankful for the support of our law enforcement officers!
As many of you know, there has been a nationwide trend of unsubstantiated threats of school violence. It appears this afternoon our high school was caught up in this trend. We will always treat each threat as valid until we can confidently know it is contained.
Our most sincere thanks go to the students and parents who reached out to make sure administrators and law enforcement were aware of the post.  The best tool for keeping our campuses safe is an open channel of communication between our students, parents, law enforcement, and the school district.  We all share the same goal of providing a safe and secure atmosphere where our students can thrive.
As always, thank you for your continued support.
Scott Cook
Mt. Vernon R-V Superintendant
Dated: Sept. 19, 2024
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Parents,
Good afternoon.  I am writing to share another instance of a verbal threat of violence this afternoon at the Middle School.   Law enforcement was contacted.  No weapon was involved.  The student also has no access to weapons outside of school. The student indicated there was no intention of following through on the statement.  However, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
As we head into an extended weekend for students, I am asking for your help.  For the third time in two days, our school day has been significantly disrupted by inappropriate statements and communication of a threatening nature.  Please have a conversation with your students about the seriousness of making threatening statements at school.  Regardless of intent, we must treat these situations with the utmost seriousness.  We want our students to feel safe coming to school and putting a stop to these statements will be a huge step in the right direction.

Scott Cook
Mt. Vernon R-V Superintendant
Dated: Sept. 20, 2024