Over the course of the last several days, a number of threat rumors related to local schools have continued to circulate on social media. We have been working
with law enforcement and collaborating with other area school districts to monitor these threat rumors. At this time, none of the reported threat rumors have been found to be credible or valid by Pickens County Sheriff’s investigators or the GBI.
The Pickens County School District will continue normal operations this week under heightened security. In addition to existing school resource officers that all of our schools have, our local law enforcement will continue to provide additional presence on all of our campuses. We sincerely appreciate the diligent work of our local law enforcement, and their partnership in keeping our schools secure.
Also please remember the additional security measures each of our schools have. When visitors arrive on our campuses, they have to be given access to enter the main part of our schools. Additionally, each faculty member has a Centegix badge which activates an alert system if anything suspicious is perceived. This alert system notifies local law enforcement and our district office.
Students and parents have reached out and reported threat rumors found on social media. We ask that you please continue to report this information to law enforcement and your school’s administration.
Additionally, parents and guardians can take some additional steps to help make the difference in keeping our schools secure:
Check your child’s backpack on a daily basis to make sure they are only taking what they should be to school.
Monitor their electronic devices and social media accounts, including looking at their browser history.
Encourage them to report any suspicious activities or threats to school officials, law enforcement, or you.
Discuss the severe and very real consequences of making threats or jokes in regards to harming another student or school.
Please contact your child’s school if you need more information, support, or resources. Additionally, our school counselors are available to talk with your students if they need someone to talk to. Together, we will work to ensure students’ safety is the highest priority.