Taking All Threats Seriously
Holland Public Schools is committed to providing all students and staff with powerful learning opportunities in safe, secure, and predictable environments.
Following the horrible events in Oxford a week ago, we know our commitment to safety requires that we take ALL threats seriously.
Today, we became aware of a social media post that pictured one of our students holding what appeared to be a handgun. As soon as we became aware of the post the School Resource Officer was notified. Holland Police were later able to confirm that the gun in the picture was an air-soft gun and was never in our building. They also determined that the picture resurfaced on social media today after originally being posted several months ago.
We do not believe the post was meant as a threat to anyone at the school, nor do we believe any students were ever in any danger.
I am proud of the students in the building who saw the post and immediately reported it to staff. I am also proud of our staff who took the reports seriously and followed the correct protocols to protect students while providing a safe learning environment.
What happened today is a great reminder about OK2SAY, a website where anyone can report tips confidentially on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools. Also, in the next few days, we will provide families with resources for conversations about appropriate use of social media.
Nick Cassidy
Interim Superintendent - HPS