News Summary
Classes were canceled at Skyline High School, Eagle Rock Middle School, and Ethel Boyes Elementary in Idaho Falls due to rumors of potential gun threats. These precautions were taken to ensure student and staff safety after comments made by a student. The Idaho Falls School District later confirmed the threat was noncredible, but investigations are ongoing regarding additional rumors circulating at a school event. Authorities emphasized the importance of responsible communication and the implications of making threats, regardless of intent.
Idaho Falls – Classes were canceled at Skyline High School, Eagle Rock Middle School, and Ethel Boyes Elementary in Idaho Falls on Thursday due to rumors of potential gun threats. These measures were taken as a precaution to ensure the safety of students and staff, stemming from comments made by a student that were reported to the school resource officer.
The Idaho Falls School District 91 confirmed that the initial threat was deemed noncredible after an investigation. In light of the situation, Superintendent Karla LaOrange announced that the student responsible for the comment would face disciplinary action in line with board policy.
Additionally, another rumor circulated during a school dance about a car purportedly holding an individual with a firearm. The Idaho Falls Police Department is currently investigating this separate report to ascertain its credibility.
As a response to the threats, classes were promptly canceled to prioritize student and staff safety. LaOrange expressed her appreciation for the cooperation shown by families amid the unsettling circumstances. The district reiterated its commitment to providing a secure environment for all students.
Further investigation revealed the source of the rumors originated from students at a rival high school, who were reportedly engaged in a prank involving Orbeez guns. A student claimed to have seen a car occupied by individuals in ski masks, which sparked concerns during the Emotion Bowl week celebrations.
After thorough checks, authorities confirmed that no actual firearm was involved, dispelling the initial fears associated with the rumors. Following the precautionary cancellations, classes resumed for elementary students the very next day, whereas middle and high school students followed a modified intervention schedule to support them in this sensitive time.
While safety protocols were heightened due to these developments, the Emotion Bowl event that was scheduled for Friday will proceed as planned, with an increased police presence to ensure the safety of all attendees. The community remains vigilant as the police continue their investigation into the origins of the rumors and the motivations behind the prank.
This incident has raised awareness about the impact of rumors and the importance of responsible communication in schools. The Idaho Falls School District continues to work collaboratively with law enforcement to ensure incidents of this nature are effectively managed and that students learn the implications of their actions.
As the investigation continues, schools are taking steps to reinforce safety protocols and educate students on the seriousness of making threats, even if intended as jokes. The district’s priority remains the welfare of all students in the area.
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Additional Resources
- East Idaho News
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Idaho News
- Google Search: Idaho Falls school gun threat
- Local News 8
- Google Scholar: School Safety Gun Threats
- AOL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- Idaho State Journal
- Google News: Idaho Falls school safety
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