Schools

UPDATE: Police on Patrol in District 308 Schools After Thursday Announcement, Rumor Traced to Oswego High School

District spokeswoman says officials and police have tracked rumors and found none for Oswego East or any of the junior highs to be credible.

Update 3:30 p.m. Friday

Oswego 308 released the following announcement minutes before 3:30 p.m. on their website:

As investigations by School District 308 and Oswego Police Department continue, it has been confirmed that an alleged threat to the safety of students and staff members was made at Oswego High School.  Earlier this week, Oswego High School students and parents brought to the attention of the high school administration a student-initiated threat of a possible shooting at OHS on December 21.  The alleged threat was shared with classmates, staff members, parents, and guardians. 

Find out what's happening in Oswegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This one, isolated incident at OHS was specific to the December 21 winter solstice, which marks the end of one of the cycles in the ancient Mayan calendar.  The school district, partnering with Oswego Police, immediately started investigations into the Oswego High School student-initiated threat.

Soon afterward, rumors circulated through Oswego High School, and then carried over to Oswego East High School and several junior high schools.

Find out what's happening in Oswegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

School District 308 can now confirm all rumors regarding any threat to students or staff members at Oswego East High School, or any junior high schools, have been identified as purely extensions from the original alleged threat at OHS.  No information has been found to support a threat to students or staff members at any school other than Oswego High School. 

Through social media, blogs and other communication, what was an isolated, but very serious and disconcerting threat, quickly became a rumor of school violence in other schools.  The focus of the investigation and increased police presence will continue at Oswego High School, not other district schools.

School District 308 will remain diligent in identifying the individual(s) responsible.  Students with specific information to the identity of this person(s) are encouraged to contact their building administration, a teacher or parent/guardian, or the Oswego Police Department.

We ask our students and parents to work with the school district to help alleviate remaining anxiety over rumors as we work to provide students and staff members with a safe, comfortable environment in which to learn and work.  School District 308 appreciates that we have a climate in which students and parents are comfortable sharing information with the school district.   

Thank you for your continued support, understanding and collaboration as we address this issue.

Update 12:20 p.m. Friday

District 308 spokeswoman Kristine Liptrot said that in the wake of the Connecticut school shootings this morning that all schools remain on a heightened state of alert and police continue on patrol at both high schools. 

A stepped-up police presence will remain at OHS through Friday, Dec. 21. 

The district plans to update parents this afternoon at about 2 or 3 p.m., Liptrot said. 

Update 10:35 a.m Friday

As of 10:35 a.m. Friday morning District officials have said there is no credibility to any of the rumors regarding Oswego East High School or any of the junior highs.

"Any rumors about any threats at Oswego East and the juniors high schools are just that: rumors," said Director of Communications Kristine Liptrot. "Between the police and administration we were able to track the source of the rumor to Oswego High School."

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As of 10 a.m. Friday, Oswego District 308 officials stated there is no credibility to any of the rumors circulating about impending violence on either Dec. 14 or prior to Dec. 21, in which the Mayan calendar cycle ends.

Oswego 308 released an announcement Thursday addressing rumors of potential violence that may conincide with the Mayan calendar that claims the winter solstice, Dec. 21, is the end of one of the cycles. 

“We are following through on all information, but at this time we have found nothing credible,” said Director of Communications Kristine Liptrot. “We are working very closely with the local police department to make sure everyone feels safe in their learning environment."

The district said in its Thursday announcement security will be heightened over the next several days. Liptrot added that staff is on heightened awareness and undercover and uniformed police officers are throughout the buildings.

Any rumor that has been reported is being investigated and anyone with specific information is asked to talk to their principal, the district has said. 

READ MORE: What Parents Are Saying About the Rumors of Threatened Violence in District 308 Schools 

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