To the Perry parents and community members:
This weekend posed another challenge for our school and community. There were reports of a potential threat to our schools. As we have learned more about school shootings, we’ve been told that schools that face a tragedy similar to ours have experienced similar types of emotional roller coasters.
Experience has shown that the schools and communities that heal and progress are the ones that continue to support each other, learn to handle more difficult times better and become even stronger through these difficult times. Healing takes time and there is still a great deal of hope in Perry.
I would like to provide some facts to help calm the fears and allow each of us to focus on reclaiming our community.
On Saturday, Feb. 3, school administration was made aware of concerns for school safety. This information was immediately turned over to the Perry Police Department and investigated.
The Perry Police Department and the Perry administration team were in frequent contact throughout the weekend. Both entities investigated the concerns. Students were questioned by authorities over the weekend, and areas of the school were searched.
What actually occurred was one student drew a picture and made a comment about the picture. Another student posted pictures of shell casings. It was concluded that there was never any intent to threaten the safety of Perry schools.
While we believe that students (and family/community members) had good intentions of sharing concerns via social media, the nature of social media continued to spread false information about this incident. After thorough investigations, there is no evidence of any threat to any Perry schools.
Please know that we take school safety very seriously and all threats are investigated.
Given the nature of the events of Jan. 4 and the ongoing criminal investigation, we are limited to what we are able to share and what can be discussed publicly. We want the Perry community to know that your concerns are heard and that the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff are our highest priority.
We want students and community members to continue to report things that are questionable or concerning. And we know that social media can turn into a bad game of telephone, where small pieces of information become misconstrued, causing more panic and harm than good.
Please know that all threats and concerns are investigated. We will continue to keep you informed, as we are able.
Soon we will be sharing information on a Safe and Sound anonymous reporting website that is available in Iowa. Remember, trust in each other, support each other, this is a journey that will take strength from each of us in the Perry community. Proud to be a Bluejay.
Clark S. Wicks, Perry Superintendent of Schools
Perry
