Rochester Schools Superintendent, Dr. Robert Shaner, and Rochester High School Principal, Josh Wrinkle:
Message regarding threatening message posted on social media by a Rochester High School student.
Dear RCS Families,
School and district administrators have been made aware of a threatening message posted on social media by a Rochester High School student.
Upon receiving the information, school administrators and our police liaison officers, in coordination with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, immediately initiated an investigation. The student has acknowledged poor judgment in posting an inappropriate comment. The district will continue working with law enforcement and school officials to perform a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate disciplinary action and necessary interventions.
The safety and security of our students and staff is always our priority, and we are committed to ensuring all members of our school community experience an environment where they are safe, valued and respected. We commend Rochester High School students for taking swift action in reporting this incident to trusted adults at school.
One of our best defenses against harm aligns with the strong relationships and trust that have been cultivated between RCS students, staff and our community partners. We continue to encourage students to talk with a trusted adult if they see, hear, or experience something that doesn't seem right. Individuals can use the Talk to RCS feature on our website; anonymously report information using OK2SAY at 855-565-2729 or texting 652729; or simply call the school and speak to an administrator.
Recently, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard shared a safety message for students, where he talks about the consequences of making threats of school violence. To watch the video, CLICK HERE.
Sheriff Bouchard said, “We need every student to understand, if you make a threat, whether or not you intend to carry it out, it is a crime. Every threat will be investigated, and every threat will be presented to the prosecutor. Every threat will be treated as the crime that it is, and we will attempt to hold you fully accountable. You will, more than likely, be removed from school, and potentially, criminal charges may attach.”
Rochester Community Schools will not tolerate activity that may compromise the safety of our school community. As such, the district will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law anyone associated with violent, illegal, threatening or harmful activities.
The RCS Student Code of Conduct is updated annually. It presents guidelines for responsible student citizenship and provides a consistent, systematic approach to addressing violations of these policies. The RCS Student Code of Conduct is available by CLICKING HERE.
Families are encouraged to talk with their children about the importance of reporting potential threats or questionable behavior. Inappropriate actions can have serious consequences that could change a child’s life and family forever.
We appreciate your support as we continue to work in partnership with our school resource officers, families and community members to assist our children in making good decisions and choices.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Shaner
Superintendent, Rochester Community Schools
Josh Wrinkle
Principal, Rochester High School
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February 21, 2023, Rochester Community Schools, Rochester.Life