JTHS Safety Message: Student Searches Upon Entry to School Starting Tomorrow
Families & Students:
We are all very aware of the stress, anxiety and fear that has been working its way through our school community since Friday, September 13, 2024. Unfortunately, there is a nation-wide trend of non-credible, non-specific, and threatening social media posts circulating that warn of actions that could cause danger to schools.
In matters such as the ones that have gripped our school community over the last week, we work in direct conjunction with the Joliet Police Department. The Joliet Police Department actively works on thoroughly investigating all threats to determine the credibility and the ability of that person to carry out the alleged threat. We also strive to be as transparent as possible with all the stakeholders of the community. It is important to note that police investigations take precedence over school investigations and that students are citizens with due process protections, which means it is important for the police to follow specifically outlined procedures in terms of evidence collection and information released to the public. Our district understands the process our partners at the Joliet Police Department must follow and will always allow them to fully adhere to their prescribed procedures. They released information last night to inform the public about the incident in a way that informs the public but does not compromise the investigation or the ability to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
We will continue to be as transparent as possible while simultaneously respecting and upholding the end of our partnership with the Joliet Police Department to not share information that is pertaining to ongoing police investigations. This partnership allowed all parties to work together to see a rapid response and the quickest resolution possible to the situation at hand. The safety of our students and staff is at the forefront of everything that we do, and our communication with the community is important to us. We will continue to provide information we are allowed to provide when we are allowed to provide it.
Student Searches Upon Entry to School Starting Tomorrow
Out of an abundance of caution, due to the unfortunate trend of social media threats locally and throughout the nation, starting tomorrow all students will be searched upon entry to school until further notice using the Evolv Concealed Weapons Detecting System. The Evolv Concealed Weapons Detection System is utilized to scan individuals while they walk through it at a normal pace without slowing down or emptying their pockets and backpack. We are requesting that students remove computing devices/JTHS laptops prior to entry.
Arrival to School
We understand that this is going to cause delay upon entry to school and we thank our students, families, and staff in advance for their patience as we become more efficient in the use of this technology. Students will be held on buses until released to enter the school. Students who may be late to class due to the new procedure will not be marked tardy as we refine this entry process. Students not riding the bus are encouraged to arrive early to school to avoid congestion.
Consequences of Social Media Threats
In regard to student behavior, threats of this magnitude are a serious criminal offense and will be met with school discipline as well. This level of behavior will not be accepted by any student attending Joliet Township High School and will be met with the gravest of consequences. There are also consequences to re-posting or re-circulating threatening social media posts. This trend of threatening social media posts directed at schools continues to drain the resources of law enforcement and school officials who are working around-the-clock to keep our schools and communities safe. In the coming days, the Joliet Police Department will be providing an increased presence around Joliet area schools during arrival and dismissal times. The Joliet Police Department is reminding families, students, and the community to report any suspicious activity by calling 911 or the non-emergency line at (815) 726-2491. Students can also report threatening social media posts to a trusted adult or anonymously by calling the School Violence Tip Line at 1-800-477-0024.
Thank You For Your Patience
JTHS recognizes the anxiety that these social media threats are causing amongst our students, families, staff, and the community. We are also aware of the inconvenience that these searches may cause. The safety of our students and staff is always our first priority. We thank you for working in partnership to keep our school safe.