School resources officers are urging parents not to panic, but say there is definitely an increase in threats of violence at schools across Texas including Lone Star High School in Frisco.
The school, which was closed Monday and Tuesday due to unspecific security threats received on social media, will reopen Wednesday.
Sources told NBC 5 the district would give the all-clear Tuesday afternoon in a letter to parents (see below) and that when students return it'll be without backpacks and large bags.
Nearly a dozen schools across North Texas have reported threats of school violence this past week some referring to actual school shootings around the nation.
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"It's all over the place, 9 out of 10 times it turns out to be nothing, thankfully," said President of the Texas Association of Student Resource Officers, Jeff Foley,
Foley said threats are increasing, but most of the time it's for attention.
"I've heard some kids say it's simply a way to get out of school, in Frisco they've canceled classes which sounds like there's a threat that's got some substance behind it to warrant that type of response," he said. "It's on the increase and I think it's more to get responses out of people."
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"My daughter did not want to go back to school and she was very serious," said Lillian Hill, whose daughter is in Middle School at Fossil Hill in Keller ISD.
Forest Hill had a threat of a shooting and attacks on female students Friday.
It spread so much on social media parents showed up throughout the day pulling their kids from school. Hill said her daughter is still concerned.
"She's hugging me every morning and giving me a kiss," she said.
Hill said that's unusual behavior to happen each day.
Schools, parents, and police are not aware of any social media challenges behind this sudden rise in threats on campus.
School leaders are trying to limit disruptions but many parents are pushing for them to not take any chances as school violence increases across America.
LONE START HS LETTER TO FAMILIES
Dear Lone Star Students, Staff and Families,
We appreciate your patience and understanding during the closure of the Lone Star High School campus. During the two days that the campus was closed, Frisco ISD administrators have been in constant communication with the Frisco Police Department. Frisco ISD thanks Frisco PD for its diligence and expertise in this matter, and with its support, the Lone Star campus will reopen tomorrow, Wednesday, December 15.
Over the last two days, the Frisco Police Department completed an extensive K9 and officer sweep of the Lone Star campus and did not find anything that posed a threat or was suspicious. Additionally, no person has entered the building without being monitored by Frisco ISD security and Frisco PD since Monday morning.
Out of an abundance of caution, the following will be implemented for the remainder of the week:
*Increased police presence
*Backpacks and large bags will not be allowed; students should carry only essential items
*Student hall passes will be limited to essential business only
*Additional school staff will monitor hallways and exit/entry points
All students and staff are encouraged to use STOPit to report anything of concern to school officials anonymously. Additionally, community members, parents and students should report any immediate concerns to the Frisco Police Department by contacting 972-292-6010 or 911. Cell phone users can send the anonymous tips by texting the word “FriscoPD” and the tip information to 847411.
The safety and security of our students and staff is a top priority of our campus and district. We will remain vigilant in providing a safe school environment that is conducive to teaching and learning.
Keith Tolleson
Principal, Lone Star High School
