Community of Columbus, NE:
Please take time to read through the entire update.
It has been determined in collaboration with Columbus Public Schools and the Columbus Police Department that there are no active threats specifically toward any school in the CPS District. Please share this with your student(s) if they reach out with concerns.
We understand the continued concern around the social media threats of school violence and we appreciate everyone reaching out to the school, law enforcement, and Safe2Help Nebraska.
We all have received many reports of the same screenshots of social media posts (specifically from TikTok and Snapchat) as they continue to be shared by students and families. These same screenshots are being shared and doctored by individuals across Nebraska and the United States, not just in Columbus. The Districts we are aware of include York, Norfolk, Council Bluffs-IA, Sioux Falls -SD, Millard, Schuyler, Bennington, Omaha, Fremont, Bellevue, Saint Paul Public Schools-MN, Westside, Ralston, Lincoln, Grand Island, Kearney, Gering, and Scottsbluff.
Throughout this process, the collaboration between Columbus Public Schools and the Columbus Police Department has afforded us the necessary resources to be responsive to the concerns brought forward and continue to ensure that our school buildings are a safe and secure setting for our students.
WHAT HAS BEEN REPORTED
We are not going to share these images with you, but we will describe them so you know what has already been reported. If you see these, you do not need to report them:
“Targeted Assistance”: This is a list of schools and at the top it has the words “Targeted Assistance”. This is a screenshot from the Georgia Department of Education that lists Title I schools that need academic support, or Targeted Assistance as outlined by the US Department of Education.
“What the Sigma”: This post shows a hand holding a firearm that has white lettering (although some might add a school name) and asks individuals to repost and share on social media. Columbus Police are aware and have investigated.
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE
All reports have been thoroughly investigated and students directly associated with those threats, whether legitimate or not, have received consequences consistent with the school discipline policy. This would include suspension and possible expulsion from Columbus Public Schools.
Several of the reports associated with the Middle School are false and have been perpetuated by repeating what has been heard and not seen at school. An article posted on Facebook indicating a firearm had been found. This article has been retracted because it was a repost of an incident over three years ago that was communicated with parents and the community. No firearm was found on the school grounds following several searches.
REMEMBER: PLEASE REPORT, NOT REPOST
Report to law enforcement, school staff, or Safe2Help of any new threats that are tied specifically to Columbus.
When reporting, include specific details like account name, poster’s real name, social media platform, screenshots, etc.
Ask the person posting the threat to remove the information if they are reposting it themselves.
Monitor your child’s technology use. If they have electronic devices, be aware of the conversations your child is having with others. Report any concerns to law enforcement or the school immediately.
Remember to view anything shared on social media with a critical lens in an attempt to determine legitimacy. Fact check what you are seeing through reputable sources before sharing information.
We need you to have a conversation with your student(s) about social media and responsible digital citizenship. Reinforce the lessons we teach here at school. Our words and actions matter and all threats will be taken seriously - even those said as a joke. There will be school and legal consequences for students who threaten violence towards others.
Columbus Public Schools and the Columbus Police Department will take all comments seriously and investigate them fully. Together we can help students and staff feel supported and safe. School safety takes a community. If you or anyone you know has a safety concern, please tell a trusted staff member, law enforcement, or Safe2Help Nebraska at 833-980-7233.