REDCLIFF, AB — Parents of students at Parkside School have take to social media after rumours surfaced online of alleged threats to students.
The Prairie Rose School Division has confirmed to CHAT News that the threats are unfounded.
A post was made on the Facebook Group Medicine Hat Confessions over the weekend. An anonymous poster claimed a student at Parkside School threatened to shoot classmates, while another allegedly created a “kill list”
Division officials say the claims are unfounded, while Redcliff RCMP tell CHAT News they aren’t aware of any threats.
Staff at Parkside School have been meeting with parents Monday morning, and say they will be sending out notices later today.
CHAT News Today spoke with Tara Williams regarding the impact of social media and how quickly information can spread. Her response can be viewed below.
Parkside School has responded to the social media posts, sharing this letter on the school’s website and social media pages. The letter is posted in full below, and is signed by principal Boyd Craven and Prairie Rose School Division superintendent Roger Clarke.
November 26, 2018
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We would like to address a recent Facebook post that makes claims about some very concerning allegations of Parkside School students, and the handling of these allegations by the Parkside School administrative staff. Student safety is always our utmost concern and we appreciate that it is for parents too.
As always, we are committed to the safety of all students and take all concerns seriously. If ever safety is at risk involving your child, rest assured you will be notified and informed of the process the school administration will use to maintain safety for students and staff. When appropriate, school administration will also involve our RCMP partners, as has been the case in the past.
We would also like to address the importance of communicating with us if there is ever a time you need more information about your child or something taking place at the school. We understand that there may be situations that arise that parents do not have all the information. First talking with the school administration, and then to Central Office administration is always the protocol parents should use.
While social media has its place, we would like to encourage you to consider the ramifications of fueling the fire of these types of anonymous, and unproven social media allegations. The use of social media to escalate a situation causes increased anxiety for all students of Parkside School. Any time a parent is expressing anger or frustration with a school in front of their child, this can lead to that child losing confidence in the relationship that they have with the school staff, making it more difficult for students to learn.
We know that you entrust us with your child’s well-being every day they come to school. This relationship is important to us. Please let us know whenever you have questions. We commit to doing our utmost to be open and transparent while keeping student safety at the forefront.
-With Files from Charles Lefebvre.
