HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Houston County High School sent a voice message to parents making them aware of a "rumored threat" against the school Friday. But after an investigation, the Houston County Sheriff's Office "have not found any credible threat" against the school.
The message to parents, sent by Houston County High School Principal Jay Jones, informed them of the rumored threat, told them it was found to not be credible and outlined how the district responded to the rumor.
When the district was "made aware" of the rumor, they immediately got in touch with the sheriff's office, Jones said. Then, the sheriff's office's investigation did not find any evidence that there was any risk to students.
Earlier this week, a gun was found in a Houston County High School student's backpack, according to another message sent to parents by Jones.
The sheriff's office suspects the rumored threat was related to that case earlier this week.
"They have not found any credible threat, and the leads they gathered suggest that the threat was a rumor related to the firearm found on our campus earlier this week," Jones said.
The school district emphasized the importance of safety on campus and the negative impact rumors like this have.
"Safety is always our number one priority, and threats against our school will not be tolerated," Jones told parents. "They disrupt our school and can cause fear in our community. "
Jones said that message will be passed along to students.
"Today, I will speak with our students about the importance of not spreading rumors," Jones said. "Parents, please help us by reminding your child to tell the proper authorities or use Anonymous Alerts when they see or hear something of concern rather than letting the rumors grow as they are passed on through our student body."
You can read the full message to parents here;
"Good morning!
This is Dr. Jay Jones, Principal of Houston County High. We were made aware of a rumored threat against our school, and we immediately contacted the Sheriff’s department to investigate. They have not found any credible threat, and the leads they gathered suggest that the threat was a rumor related to the firearm found on our campus earlier this week.
Safety is always our number one priority, and threats against our school will not be tolerated. They disrupt our school and can cause fear in our community. Today, I will speak with our students about the importance of not spreading rumors. Parents, please help us by reminding your child to tell the proper authorities or use Anonymous Alerts when they see or hear something of concern rather than letting the rumors grow as they are passed on through our student body.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the school. Thank you for your support of Houston County High."