News Summary
Classes were canceled at Skyline High School, Eagle Rock Middle School, and Ethel Boyes Elementary in Idaho Falls due to unfounded gun threat rumors. The district took precautionary measures after a noncredible comment was made by a student and a subsequent rumor about a car containing a weapon. Investigations revealed the situation stemmed from a prank linked to local festivities. The Idaho Falls School District is committed to ensuring student safety and restoring normalcy amidst the chaos. Classes resumed for elementary students, while interventions were held for older ones.
Idaho Falls faced a significant disruption on Thursday as classes were canceled at Skyline High School, Eagle Rock Middle School, and Ethel Boyes Elementary due to unfounded rumors of potential gun threats. The decision to cancel classes was made as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The situation began on Wednesday night when a student made a comment regarding a gun threat. This remark was reported to the school resource officer, who subsequently deemed it noncredible. The Idaho Falls School District 91 confirmed this information, stating that the comment did not pose an actual threat to the school community. Disciplinary action will be taken against the student who initiated the remark, in accordance with district board policy.
Compounding the tension, a separate rumor circulated during a school dance about a car in the vicinity that allegedly contained someone with a gun. The Idaho Falls Police Department is currently investigating this second report, which has led to increased vigilance in the community.
Superintendent Karla LaOrange underscored the district’s unwavering commitment to safety and expressed gratitude toward families for their patience and cooperation during this unsettling period. The district acted swiftly to ensure that no harm would come to its students or staff amid these unfounded threats.
Investigators later clarified that the rumor had originated from students attending a rival high school, who were reportedly engaged in a prank involving Orbeez guns—a type of non-lethal toy gun that shoots water-filled beads. A student reported seeing a car with individuals wearing ski masks, which fueled the speculation of a gun-related incident. However, no actual firearm was found upon investigation, confirming that the situation was a misunderstanding driven by a prank, coinciding with the annual Emotion Bowl week festivities.
Following the cancellation of classes, students at the elementary level were able to return to school on Friday, while middle and high school students participated in an intervention schedule to address the issues raised by the alarming rumors. The district’s response aimed to restore a sense of normalcy while ensuring that the students felt safe in their educational environment.
In light of recent events, the Emotion Bowl event scheduled for Friday will go ahead as planned, with local law enforcement ensuring an enhanced presence for the safety of everyone attending. The community and schools are taking the necessary steps to reassure students and parents that safety remains a top priority.
As the incident unfolds, the Idaho Falls School District remains vigilant and dedicated to maintaining a secure learning atmosphere, ready to tackle any future challenges with prompt action and transparent communication.
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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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