Rocket Families,
The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority at Rochester Schools. The purpose of this message is to share a report of a threatening note discovered at Rochester Junior High School. Late Wednesday evening, November 30, 2022, the Rochester Police Department alerted school officials of a report they received detailing a possible threat to students at Rochester Junior High School. A citizen attending a basketball game discovered a message referencing weapons and harm to other students.
The Rochester Police Department and school officials immediately investigated the report. The suspected individual has been identified and home contact was made before school began today, Thursday, December 1, 2022. It has been determined that no credible threat exists and it is safe for students to be at school. Disciplinary action has been taken in accordance with school district policy. The District will not comment any further as this case involves student privacy matters.
I encourage all of our parents and families to monitor and have conversations with your children regarding their personal communication. Any type of threat toward students, schools, and school personnel is a serious matter.
If students are in need of help and assistance please contact your building principals and school counselors. Our schools have many resources to provide assistance to our students and families. One resource is Safe2Help Illinois which is a 24/7 program where students can share information on school safety issues in a confidential environment. Safe2Help Illinois offers students a safe, confidential way in which to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. Safe2Help Illinois staff can be reached by calling 844-4-SAFEIL, texting SAFE 2 (72332), or emailing HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com
It takes all of us working together to continue to ensure a safe learning environment for our children. If you see something, say something.
At Rochester Schools, being a good citizen and maintaining a safe environment for all is a part of our discussions and instruction at every grade level, but it is important to continue the conversation at home. We encourage you to talk to your children about school safety, appropriate and inappropriate behaviors, expectations, and healthy practices. You may find resources and helpful tips here.
All of us at Rochester Schools want to thank the Rochester Police Department and our School Resource Officer for their immediate response and care to help keep our schools and community safe.
Be the Difference,
Dan W. Cox, Superintendent