Threats, Stirring Fear Won't Be Tolerated: District 308 Supt

OSWEGO, IL — After repeated school threat incidents in District 308, along with the arrest of several students accused of being behind the messages, Superintendent John Sparlin sent a message to district parents Monday addressing the issue. In a message sent in cooperating with Oswego police, Sparlin addressed the issue of students who forward and share threatening messages — even if they didn't write them — on social media.

Here is the message sent by Sparlin in its entirety.

Dear District 308 Families,

We want to relay an important message to you regarding the distribution of threatening messages. This information is being shared on behalf of our district in collaboration with the Oswego Police Department. Over the past couple of weeks, OHS, Plank, Thompson and Traughber have been dealing with threatening messages. While the police work closely with school administrators to determine the source of the threat and charge individuals for their actions, we are facing a significant issue with students using texts and social media to forward and share these messages.

It is important for parents and students to understand that there are serious consequences for both, making threats and/or spreading threatening messages. Regardless of a student’s intent, even if a threat wasn’t meant to be serious, it will be treated as such. Students will receive school discipline and may be charged with a crime for forwarding a photo or message of a threatening nature that disrupts the school environment.

It is the responsibility of all students, staff, parents and community members to report anything that they hear or see that threatens or could cause harm to others. Students are asked to report concerns to a parent, teacher, administrator or directly to the police. Our students must understand that sharing threatening messages through Snapchat, text messages or any other means is illegal. When anyone hits forward on a threat message, even though he/she did not write it, the individual is responsible for his/her actions.

These actions contribute to the spread of fear, cost significant time and resources to the school district and community, the police, and students who often miss important educational time. Giving students the attention they seek by stirring fear in our schools cannot be tolerated.

Please urge your child to always report any threatening messages, conversations, or concerns to a trusted adult. Remind them to think twice before forwarding anything. Police and school administrators are closely monitoring illegal and/or threatening activity.

Administrators are sharing age-appropriate versions of this message with students throughout the district this week. Students who experience an increased level of concern can seek assistance from our counselors at school. We encourage you to contact your school’s administrative team with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,

Dr. John W. Sparlin

Related content:

• Boy, 13, Arrested After Jr High Threats: Police
  
• Juveniles Arrested For Weapon, Disorderly Conduct At Plank
• Threat On Bathroom Wall Prompts OHS Absences

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