School District: No Threat at Affton High, Classes Continue Friday

Classes at Affton High School are scheduled to continue as normal Friday after police decided rumors of a violent threat weren't credible.

School officials became aware that rumors were circulating about possible violence at the high school late Thursday and notified police, according to the district's communications director, Erica Chandler. St. Louis County Police determined that the rumors—which apparently originated on Facebook—were not credible.

Police have already heightened patrols at schools across the county, including Affton High School, after a tragic shooting at a Connecticut elementary school.

Superintendent Steve Brotherton released this message on the district's website and Facebook page:

When events such as the tragedy in Newtown occur, a lot of conversation and rumors are often generated. Affton School District has been made aware of rumors of potential violence within our school district on Friday, December 21 at Affton High School. I want to assure you that we always take all reports related to safety seriously. This information has been reported to the St. Louis County Police, and we are working with them on this matter. They do not feel that the rumors have any credible basis.

We have asked our staff to be extra vigilant in their supervisory duties and report anything of a suspicious nature. As a continued safety precaution, we are working with the St. Louis County Police to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff. Friday is a half day for all students and the last day of finals for our secondary students, and it is our intent to conduct classes as usual on this day.

I encourage you to talk with your child about the seriousness of rumors and the importance of reporting suspicious activities, threats and other safety concerns to a trusted adult. If your child shares any of this type of information with you, please contact your school principal or me. Students also need to be aware that law enforcement agencies take these matters very seriously and are pursuing prosecution even when such incidents are intended as pranks.

The safety of our students has been and remains our primary concern, and we will always take necessary precautions to ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff. If you have a safety or security concern about your child’s school, please contact the school principal who has first-hand knowledge of the building’s practices.

I appreciate your continued support of Affton School District and your child’s school.