From News Channel 9: Polk County Schools says they are committed to keeping every student safe after 2 separate threats made against schools in the last few days.
A student at Benton Elementary School in Polk County has been suspended after reportedly threatening to bring a gun to school.
That comes after a rumor was spread around Polk County High School about a student having a gun. Law enforcement says that threat was fabricated.
Polk County Schools say the threat was made by an elementary student towards the end of the school day.
"We do not feel it is a viable threat and at no time were any students or staff in danger," said the district.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office was notified immediately and is now investigating the incident.
The student has been suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of the investigation.
Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross says as of Tuesday afternoon, no charges have been filed against the student.
District leaders emphasized that while no one was in immediate danger, every threat is taken seriously.The recent threats have left parents concerned about the safety of their children.
"It's a shame that we've got to where we're at."
Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross says...
"It's just seems like there's more of the threats. 99% of them are just idle threats. But we will not allow our kids to be in danger if we can do anything in the world about it. And anytime there's a threat, we automatically will go interview everybody that's involved."
Talk of school threats has sparked conversations on social media. One Facebook user says...
"It's a very sad situation, but it starts with the parents and then the school needs to buckle down as well. As an elementary age student, that's way too young to be talking like that."
Another added that "a threat is a danger regardless the seriousness of it."
In a statement, Polk County Schools Director Dr. James Jones told us...
"We're teaching students what language is appropriate at school through programs and assemblies, and I hope every parent talks with their child about how certain words can cause chaos and potential danger."
A student at Benton Elementary School in Polk County has been suspended after reportedly threatening to bring a gun to school.
That comes after a rumor was spread around Polk County High School about a student having a gun. Law enforcement says that threat was fabricated.
Polk County Schools say the threat was made by an elementary student towards the end of the school day.
"We do not feel it is a viable threat and at no time were any students or staff in danger," said the district.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office was notified immediately and is now investigating the incident.
The student has been suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of the investigation.
Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross says as of Tuesday afternoon, no charges have been filed against the student.
District leaders emphasized that while no one was in immediate danger, every threat is taken seriously.The recent threats have left parents concerned about the safety of their children.
"It's a shame that we've got to where we're at."
Polk County Sheriff Steve Ross says...
"It's just seems like there's more of the threats. 99% of them are just idle threats. But we will not allow our kids to be in danger if we can do anything in the world about it. And anytime there's a threat, we automatically will go interview everybody that's involved."
Talk of school threats has sparked conversations on social media. One Facebook user says...
"It's a very sad situation, but it starts with the parents and then the school needs to buckle down as well. As an elementary age student, that's way too young to be talking like that."
Another added that "a threat is a danger regardless the seriousness of it."
In a statement, Polk County Schools Director Dr. James Jones told us...
"We're teaching students what language is appropriate at school through programs and assemblies, and I hope every parent talks with their child about how certain words can cause chaos and potential danger."
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