Moorhead Area Public Schools has issued a direct appeal to parents regarding social media and texting after a middle school student sent a threatening message in a group chat. The incident, which included an image of a gun, prompted a swift response from both the school district and local police, highlighting the serious consequences of online behavior.
Officials confirmed the message originated from a student at Horizon Middle School West on Tuesday morning. While a threat assessment determined there was no viable danger to students or staff, the district is using the event to emphasize the need for conversations at home about responsible digital communication.
Key Takeaways
- A Horizon Middle School student sent a threatening message with a gun image in a group chat.
- Moorhead police and the school district immediately investigated the incident.
- A formal threat assessment concluded the threat was not viable, and the student was not on campus.
- The district is now calling on parents to discuss the serious consequences of online threats with their children.
- Officials noted that two other students were removed from school buildings this year for separate weapons-related incidents.
Immediate Response to a Digital Threat
The situation began to unfold around 9:10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28, when school officials were alerted to the concerning message. According to Steve Moore, the executive director of operations and emergency management for Moorhead Area Public Schools, one or more parents who saw the message in their child's group chat promptly contacted the Moorhead Police Department.
Police acted quickly, identifying the student responsible for the post. The student, a fifth or sixth grader at Horizon Middle School West, was instructed to remain at home and was not present at school during the investigation.
Simultaneously, the school initiated its own safety protocols. "Horizon West began its threat assessment protocols and contacted the student's parents," Moore stated. The school's building emergency response team, which includes counselors or behavioral interventionists, was convened to handle the situation.
The Threat Assessment Process
In cases like this, the school district follows a structured procedure to evaluate the level of danger. The initial step involves a three-page checklist designed to quickly determine if a threat is credible. This preliminary assessment includes questions about the student's intent, access to weapons, and behavioral history.
Understanding Threat Levels
Schools use a tiered system to evaluate threats. A 'non-viable' threat is one where the student does not have the means or clear intent to carry out the act. If a threat is deemed potentially viable, a much more comprehensive assessment is conducted to ensure student safety and determine the appropriate intervention.
Based on the answers gathered during this first stage, the team concluded that the threat was not viable. Moore explained that if the situation had been more ambiguous, a full threat assessment using a detailed 16-page checklist would have been required to assign a specific threat rating.
Even without a viable threat, the district underscores the gravity of such actions. "We need our kids to understand that this is serious and the consequences will be heavy," Moore emphasized. He pointed out that even messages sent as a joke are taken with utmost seriousness by the administration.
"Even though there was no viable threat, it still adds to the hypersensitivity and hypervigilance that we're experiencing right now."
Steve Moore, Executive Director of MAPS Operations and Emergency Management
A Call for Parental Involvement
Following the incident, an email was sent to all families with students at the Horizon campus, which includes both Horizon East and Horizon West middle schools. The communication, signed by principals Amanda Henry and Spencer Stowers, informed parents of the situation and reassured them that the threat had been addressed.
The core message from the district, however, extends beyond this single event. Officials are urging parents to have frank discussions with their children about the real-world impact of their online activities. What may seem like a harmless joke to a child can trigger a significant emergency response and lead to severe disciplinary action.
Consequences Can Be Severe
According to Moore, any violation of the school's weapons policy can lead to withdrawal or expulsion. He confirmed that this school year, two students involved in separate weapons-related incidents connected to the Moorhead High School Career Academy have already been removed from school buildings and are continuing their education through alternative means.
The district's plea is for a partnership between the schools and families to prevent future incidents. By teaching children that digital threats have tangible consequences, they hope to foster a safer environment for everyone.
- Talk Openly: Discuss what is and isn't appropriate to share online or in text messages.
- Explain the Impact: Help children understand that threats, even if not serious, cause fear and disruption.
- Monitor Activity: Be aware of your child's social media and messaging apps.
- Report Concerns: Encourage children to tell a trusted adult if they see something concerning online.
In their email, the principals reiterated that the safety and well-being of students and staff remain their highest priority. They also thanked the families who reported the message and the Moorhead Police Department for its rapid and effective response, which was crucial in resolving the situation quickly.