An Important Message from the APS Administration

Rumors of violence at schools are unfounded, and students are reminded that spreading rumors of threats could lead to discipline.

December 19, 2012

You may have heard rumors this week of threatened violence at our schools. We want to assure the APS community that while we take all threats to students and staff seriously, we have found absolutely no validity to any of these rumors.

We understand that school communities are more anxious than usual due to national events such as the Sandy Hook tragedy and buzz over the Mayan calendar, and unfounded rumors are only adding to the tension. We also recognize that social media and the Internet are causing rumors and gossip to spread quickly even when there is no truth to them.

No matter where the rumors come from or what sparks them, our police are taking them seriously and investigating each and every one in effort to keep our students and staff safe. A lot of time, energy and resources have been used this week chasing what amounts to be gossip. Our investigations have found absolutely no evidence of written threats, suspects, plans, postings or anything else that would threaten the safety of students and staff.

Please help us in assuring students that they are safe at school and that it is important to continue their normal school routines, especially as we wrap up the semester. As middle and high school students continue to take finals, teaching and learning need to remain priorities at all of our schools.

Also remind students that they will face discipline for spreading unfounded rumors and gossip about the safety of others. Already, seven students at Manzano High School were suspended and others around the district face discipline for disrupting the educational process.

We encourage students and others to come forward with reasonable concerns for safety at our schools; however, we can’t stress enough that this is a serious matter not to be taken lightly.