The act of violence against Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga., has shaken all of us. As a former teacher and principal, as well as a parent of students in our school system, a tragedy such as this reminds me that our children and our educators are precious gifts. As superintendent of schools, I am reminded of the importance of keeping our schools safe.
We will use this tragedy as an opportunity to work with our school administrative teams to revisit processes and procedures surrounding vigilance and access to our school buildings and grounds. We will also communicate with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Highlands Police Department, Franklin Police Department, and the NC Highway Patrol who regularly visit our schools and campuses.
All of us play a part in taking care of our children and helping them feel safe. Remind yourself, your students, and your family that if and when something doesn’t “feel right” or something seems suspicious, to report it immediately to a school official or to a member of law enforcement. Parents, please revisit the severity and consequences of pranks against school safety with your children.
Throughout the week, our focus will be to support students and staff. Our school counselors, social workers, and psychologists are available to assist those who may need support or have questions following such an event. Please monitor your child’s mood and behavior and reach out to a professional if you need help.
Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation. We must continue working together so that our students feel the care and concern we have for them, and they recognize the importance placed on their health, well-being, and safety.
Please join me in keeping the Winder community in your thoughts and prayers.
Threat of violence addressed at FHS
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement on Monday, Sept. 9:
On Friday afternoon, Franklin High School administration received information that a student made a threat of violence against the school today. The student in question was interviewed and charged with the following that evening:
⁃ 1 felony count of Communicating A Threat of Mass Violence on Educational Property
No further information will be released on the student as they are a juvenile. Franklin High School is NOT considered to be under any type of threat at this time. This threat has no relation to the screenshots that were circulating on social media that we addressed on Friday morning.
We want to urge parents to speak with their children about how their words matter. In this day and age, we have zero tolerance for any comments made that put any Macon County school’s safety into question.