WIMBERLEY — Wimberley ISD received a nonspecific threat at Danforth Junior High, as well as found concerning messages on a social media app from a Jacob’s Well Elementary student on Sept. 24.
Director of Safety and School Initiatives Christi Moeller revealed that multiple students reported hearing remarks from a sixth-grade student that insinuated gun violence at the junior high campus. Following these allegations, there was an investigation that took place by the DJH school resource officer, who is employed through the Hays County Sheriff’s Office.
Moeller stated that the investigation involved direct questioning of the student who made the claim and other witnesses, where the officer concluded that the threat was not credible and there was no threat to anyone on campus.
“In accordance with Texas Education Code 37.115, Wimberley ISD utilizes School Behavior Threat Assessment teams comprised of trained staff members and School Resource Officers to assess situations that involve possible threats to self or others,” said Moeller.
Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Moeller stated that the specific consequences the student will face within the school district are confidential, but that it will adhere to the WISD Code of Conduct.
Within the code of conduct, various incidents are categorized from level one to level five, which can result in suspension, alternative education programs, expulsion and more.
The director also said that there have been similar reports of threats in recent years, though, upon investigation, they have been determined to be rumors, duplicated threats, poor attempts at jokes or non-credible.
In regards to the elementary threat, a news release stated that students allowed a user on Snapchat to enter their private chat, believing it was a friend, but, after entering, the user went on to threaten students in the chat.
While there was no direct threat to the campus, school officials noted that this offense is taken seriously and administrators are continuing to monitor the situation.
“Social media probably has a big part in trends that we’ve seen over the last several years,” said HCSO Deputy Anthony Hipolito. “I think maybe kids are seeing it, thinking it’s funny and are almost making a joke out of it.”
It’s important to realize, Hipolito continued, that these threats are always taken seriously and, therefore, use up valuable resources on what results in a hoax report.
“I don’t remember this being a problem at all last school year. I’m sure we had one-offs here and there, but nothing like we’ve seen over the last two to three weeks in our county. It seems like it’s almost happening every day.”
WISD joins others in Hays County in a surge of non-credible reports over the first month of school, with six students arrested in Hays CISD and a phone number tied to multiple incidents in the nation in San Marcos CISD.
Hipolito explained that the beginning of slowing down these threats starts at home through education.
“Parents, specifically, need to know that they need to have those conversations with their kids because it has to stop and we have to work together to ensure that our kids understand the importance of not [making a threat]. They also need to understand the consequences if they decide to do it,” stressed the deputy. “I know I have two children and we have conversations all the time. They need to know right from wrong and these kids do; they just think it's funny and nothing bad is going to happen to them and that's just not going to be tolerated.”
“We will continue to respond to every reported or observed threat utilizing a systematic process involving school officials and law enforcement. Response will include investigation, parent/community communication, our School Behavior Threat Assessment procedures and Code of Conduct consequences and criminal charges as applicable,” said Moeller. “It is also important for us to commend the students and adults who immediately report possible threats and our SRO officers and campus staff who respond swiftly and consistently to address situations and work to keep our schools safe.”
There are several resources for students and parents to submit information. Visit www.iwatchtx.org or contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477) or to submit a tip online at www. CallCrimeStoppers.com or by using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone.
“See something, say something,” concluded Hipolito.
