SEDGWICK COUNTY – Following an arrest of a juvenile following a clown threat against schools in USD 259, Wichita Public Schools, other high schools are alerting parents of an online threat.
On Monday morning, the Maize Police Department became aware of photos of a clown in front of Maize South High School, which were being circulated via social media, according to a report from police.
Police took the photos seriously and immediately notified the Maize school district and increased the number of officers patrolling around schools.
The investigation ultimately identified three students of Maize South High School who had both taken the photos and circulated them on various social media sites. The students did this solely as a prank and were not aware at the time of the other threats being circulated. We are confident in talking with the students that there was and is no connection to the “creepy clown” threats that have been made towards other schools.
USD 262 Superintendent Cory Gibson sent a note to parents on Monday.
“As you may know, there have been several reports in the area and nationally about “creepy clowns.”
Over the past couple of days, area schools have been dealing with potentially threatening social media posts related to clowns.
Valley Center is not immune to these posts.
On Monday, the school district was made aware that a Valley Center High School student made one or more posts that may be viewed as threatening.
The post was not directed at anyone specifically and the district does not believe there is any imminent danger.
October 3, 2016
Dear Valley Center USD 262 Families,
As you may know, there have been several reports in the area… https://t.co/zC4Dgr9LlK— USD262 Valley Center (@USD262) October 3, 2016
USD 262 administrators and Valley Center Police Department are working collaboratively to investigate any and all posts that may be viewed as a safety concern.”
Gibson encouraged parents and children aware of any threats (social media or otherwise) that make you question the safety of students or staff to report it to your child’s school principal immediately. If it is after school hours, please report the threat directly to law enforcement.