By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

A homework assignment turned in this week by a student at O’Loughlin Elementary School led to a parent notification and police investigation.

Superintendent John Thissen said a very young student turned in a homework assignment Wednesday that said he wanted to be a school shooter when he grew up. O’Loughlin parents were notified of the investigation Thursday afternoon.

The district notified the police to investigate and brought in counselors to work with the child.

Police determined there was no immediate danger to the students at the school.

Citing student privacy rights, Thissen did not elaborate on what disciplinary action was taken against the student or if the student would remain at O’Loughlin. The student was not identified.

The school released the following statement via email.

“I just wanted to let you know there was a concern with a homework assignment that was completed by a student at OES. Due to the seriousness of the completed assignment, it was reported to a law enforcement official, was fully investigated, and no credible threat was found. We appreciate staff working together to provide a safe environment for all our students.”

 

Thissen said the district wished to let parents know about the incident because of issues that arose over a threat at Hays High School earlier this year.

A student at the HHS made a verbal threat against the school. Parents were not notified of the threat until five days later. In the meantime, rumors swirled about a possible gun at the school and further threats. Parents were so concerned about the rumors that about 50 parents kept students home from school.

The district is set to consider changes to its parental notification policy in the administrative handbook at its next meeting on April 30.