School sees social media threat

Snapchat message posted Monday evening draws concerns from students, staff, parents

Social media statements are causing concern among the students, staff and parents of Mt. Pleasant Middle School (MPMS).

A message on Monday evening was posted on Snapchat, potentially sent by a student. The message stated “So if you guys don’t wanna die then don’t come to school tomorrow.” This message was widely shared among parents and students on social media.

The school followed established protocol and immediately contacted law enforcement once the apparent threat was reported to school officials. During the evening of Monday, Nov. 15, parents received an email from MPMS Principal Darby Weaver explaining that the school was aware of the statement.

“We are working closely with law enforcement to address the concerns and ensure a safe day at MPMS tomorrow,” Weaver said.

At this time, after local authorities spoke with the student who allegedly posted the threat, they have determined that the threat is not credible and MPMS students and staff are safe.

“Making threats on the lives of others, whether those threats are verbal, written, or posted on social media, is a serious matter that will be fully investigated,” Mt. Pleasant Police Department Youth Services Officer Justin Nau said. “We’d like to reassure Mt. Pleasant Middle School students, staff, and families that this situation was immediately investigated by our department, and it was determined that there is no credible threat to the safety of our schools.”

Disciplinary action is being taken in accordance with the student code of conduct and the legal system.

“The safety of our students, staff and families is our number one priority at Mt. Pleasant Public Schools. We’d like to thank our local police for quickly addressing the situation and ensuring the safety of our students and staff. I’d also like to thank the staff, students and parents who reported the threatening post,” Superintendent Jennifer Verleger

said.

“We take these matters very seriously, and we have absolutely zero tolerance for this behavior at Mt. Pleasant Schools. We encourage parents to speak with their children about the serious ramifications that can come from things they say or post online and on social media.”