I am writing to inform you and not to perpetuate or cause any panic. The PORTA School District and every school district in Illinois and the United States, for that matter, has been made aware of a circulating TikTok post. This Post was not a direct threat and alluded to a nationwide “school shooting and bomb threat for every school in the USA even elementary schools” that will supposedly take place on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. The original post is general and not directed at a specific school. So far, the origins of this post are unknown and there is no indication this post has specified targeted school district.
This information has been shared with our District and school administration, and local law enforcement.
Please know that, in conjunction with local law enforcement, we will continue to monitor social media. There are no indications of known threats within PORTA Schools at this time. I am sharing this notice out of an abundance of caution and as a precautionary measure.
The safety of our students and staff is our priority. All safety concerns to our school or students are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Since returning to in-person learning this school year, schools nationwide are dealing with school safety concerns that seem to be heightened and causing anxiety, fear and nervousness among our staff and students.
Here are some key points about making good decisions and easing these concerning feelings:
• Be sure to report any concerning message you hear or see in person or online to a trusted adult, school administration or staff member, or police.
• The Safe2Help Illinois is a 24/7 program for students to share school safety issues, find resources to get help and find encouragement to help others. Reports can be submitted here.
• Please do not promote social media rumors, instead, tell us.
• If you feel uncomfortable about something you read, something you hear, something you
see please, report it so we can do something about it.
• Know who is connecting with your children online and set rules for social networking, instant messaging, e-mailing, online gaming and using webcams.
PORTA CUSD 202 is committed to keeping our schools a safe place for learning, and we will work together to continue to keep it that way.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Matthew W. Brue
Superintendent
This information has been shared with our District and school administration, and local law enforcement.
Please know that, in conjunction with local law enforcement, we will continue to monitor social media. There are no indications of known threats within PORTA Schools at this time. I am sharing this notice out of an abundance of caution and as a precautionary measure.
The safety of our students and staff is our priority. All safety concerns to our school or students are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Since returning to in-person learning this school year, schools nationwide are dealing with school safety concerns that seem to be heightened and causing anxiety, fear and nervousness among our staff and students.
Here are some key points about making good decisions and easing these concerning feelings:
• Be sure to report any concerning message you hear or see in person or online to a trusted adult, school administration or staff member, or police.
• The Safe2Help Illinois is a 24/7 program for students to share school safety issues, find resources to get help and find encouragement to help others. Reports can be submitted here.
• Please do not promote social media rumors, instead, tell us.
• If you feel uncomfortable about something you read, something you hear, something you
see please, report it so we can do something about it.
• Know who is connecting with your children online and set rules for social networking, instant messaging, e-mailing, online gaming and using webcams.
PORTA CUSD 202 is committed to keeping our schools a safe place for learning, and we will work together to continue to keep it that way.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Matthew W. Brue
Superintendent