The school shooting last week at Apalachee High School in Barrow County that saw two students and two teacher killed and nine others wounded has left a major impact all across the state and the nation as the young school year continues, and Polk School District is making it clear that both parents and students need to be mindful of the climate and act accordingly.
In a social media post put out on Facebook by the Polk School District on Monday evening ahead of the return to classes on Tuesday morning, Dr. Katie Thomas made it clear that the district is doing everything possible to keep students safe, but also wants families to get involved in the process and make it clear threats of any kind made after such an incident are not to be tolerated.
“In addition, we ask that you stress the consequences for students that make threats, whether spoken or written, in person or online,” the post noted. “Any such act directed towards our students, staff, or schools, upon investigation, will result in the appropriate charges by our law enforcement officers. Please discuss the seriousness of such behavior with your child.”
According to officials with the Polk School District Police Department and Dr. Thomas, no specific threats have been made against any individual or school the district, and there is no immediate concern for safety of students, staff or the general public.
The safety reminder posted on social media this evening is in response to threats that have come about around the area, and there is no immediate concern for any issues to come this week at the moment.
The post (see below for the full posting) comes in response this evening to Floyd County Schools and Rome City Schools both having to go on a heightened alert status during classes on Monday following threats investigated at both Coosa High School where an arrest was later made, and at Rome Middle and Rome High School following their own information received that ended with the arrest of another student.
Apalachee High student Colt Gray, 14, was taken into custody and faces multiple charges as an adult including four counts of murder. His father was also arrested and charged with murder following the shooting, since he had purchased the weapon used for Gray to commit the crimes on Wednesday, September 4.
So far, the other nine victims of the shooting are expected to make a full recovery.
