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Independence, MO —
The Fort Osage School District is working to dispel rumors brought on by anxious students after the tragic shooting last week in Connecticut.
In a message posted on the district’s Facebook page, officials said that administrators at Osage Trail Middle School and Fort Osage High School are “dealing with rumors” that have caused some students to be more on edge. Stephanie Smith, public information director for the school district, said the rumors have actually only been at the high school, but have now filtered to the nearby middle school.
The message indicated that the rumors dealt with a student brining a weapon to area high schools as well as some anxiety among students about the Mayan calendar’s “End of the World” prediction. Schools across the nation are dealing with heightened fears among students after a gunman entered Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., last week, killing 20 students and six staff members.
Smith said in addition with having discussions with students about school safety, the district’s school resource officer as well as teachers are providing support.
“These types of rumors are affecting a number of high schools this week, including (William) Chrisman and Park Hill locally and Jefferson City High School as well,” Smith said. “We have found nothing, and the rumors did not start until late yesterday when students may have already heard the same rumor happening at Park Hill. We continue to talk with students and parents, but have no reason to believe this is anything other than ‘something I have been hearing’ kind of response from students.”
The Fort Osage School District is working to dispel rumors brought on by anxious students after the tragic shooting last week in Connecticut.
In a message posted on the district’s Facebook page, officials said that administrators at Osage Trail Middle School and Fort Osage High School are “dealing with rumors” that have caused some students to be more on edge. Stephanie Smith, public information director for the school district, said the rumors have actually only been at the high school, but have now filtered to the nearby middle school.
The message indicated that the rumors dealt with a student brining a weapon to area high schools as well as some anxiety among students about the Mayan calendar’s “End of the World” prediction. Schools across the nation are dealing with heightened fears among students after a gunman entered Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., last week, killing 20 students and six staff members.
Smith said in addition with having discussions with students about school safety, the district’s school resource officer as well as teachers are providing support.
“These types of rumors are affecting a number of high schools this week, including (William) Chrisman and Park Hill locally and Jefferson City High School as well,” Smith said. “We have found nothing, and the rumors did not start until late yesterday when students may have already heard the same rumor happening at Park Hill. We continue to talk with students and parents, but have no reason to believe this is anything other than ‘something I have been hearing’ kind of response from students.”
