Dear Wildcat Families,
I am contacting you with an update on yesterday’s email regarding the potential threat on Snapchat. Law enforcement has been unable to resolve the threat at this time. We plan on holding school tomorrow. We do realize the concern that these type of social media messages cause. Each student and family are encouraged to make plans for tomorrow according to what is best for your student and family on whether to attend school. Teachers will assist students who are absent with missing work by posting the day’s activities in Schoology by the end of the day.
In cooperation with local law enforcement and out of an abundance of caution, as officers are available we will have additional police presence at our schools. As a reminder, we have armed security at every school building and stringent visitor protocols. Central office administrators will be stationed at each building during morning drop offs as well.
While this is an active police investigation which limits what we can share, we want to remind you that law enforcement does not believe that this message involved Oxford students. Law enforcement still believes that the creator of the message is not an Oxford student and knows that the intended recipient of the message is and has not been an Oxford student.
While I have had some inquiries on the possibility of remote learning, please know that we are unable to implement remote learning as the state has prevented traditional seated schools from counting remote learning days as instructional days. In addition, we have a limited number of forgiveness days for the school year before we have to start making school days up in June. Due to the unique nature of social media, the source of the message may never be determined. Unfortunately, this situation leaves us all with difficult decisions to make both as a school district and as individuals.
I understand the difficult position that everyone is in. I know both as your superintendent and as a father of two OHS students. My heart hurts for each and every student and parent who has to go through this terrible situation. We need to rely on each other and pull each other through this tough situation rather than become divisive with one another. This means supporting each other’s decisions in these situations. I apologize if my email seemed to imply anything other than support for parents to make the decision that is right for their family.
Unfortunately, I also know that this will not be the last time that we are faced with making this decision. All of the research we have done indicates schools that have experienced gun violence become more susceptible to threatening social media posts and other forms of intimidation. While these situations are difficult to work through, we continue to work with law enforcement to provide a safe and secure environment for your child to learn. In addition, all of our staff continue to contribute their efforts to keep your children safe and healthy. We will continue to work our hardest to do so. We do love your children.
If you or your child have other information regarding this Snapchat conversation, please contact the Oakland County Sheriff's Office or 9-1-1 as soon as possible. Please continue to encourage your students to utilize the Ok2Say anonymous reporting tool and/or reach out to law enforcement or school administration with concerning information. The OK2SAY app is available for iOS and Android devices or tips can be reported at https://www.michigan.gov/ok2say website as well.
We appreciate your continued support and efforts to help us maintain safe schools.
Sincerely,
Ken Weaver
Superintendent