Local news delivered daily to your email inbox. Subscribe for FREE to the rdnewsNOW newsletter.

Division taking “appropriate measures” after rumours of threats to Grande Prairie school

Mar 30, 2018 | 3:29 PM

The Grande Prairie Public School District says what it terms “appropriate measures” are being taken to deal with the source of rumours about violence at schools that spread online earlier this week.

Superintendent Sandy McDonald says in an email to EverythingGP that it would be inappropriate to release any details, because the actions are “personal in nature.”

McDonald is advising parents that hear rumours like this to always call the school, adding the phone works better than the internet in cases like this.

He said that the rumours of violence that circulated Wednesday night were “almost getting out of hand” and that other schools not part of the original rumour were brought into the discussion.

“We care about our students A LOT and our primary goal will always be their safety.  We will not make decisions that jeopardize them.  When we believe there is a safety issue we will tell everyone we can to help keep everyone safe,” said McDonald in an email to EverythingGP.

“Social media is great, but when concerns about safety exist, the phone works better than the internet.  Call the school and ask the principal.  If something happens at night, wait until the school opens, if needed, to get confirmation from the appropriate source.  Speaking in person is the best way to learn facts because online discussion can, unfortunately, allow rumours to spread.  It is best for everyone if we talk about facts and not rumours.”