News Summary
Classes at Skyline High School, Eagle Rock Middle School, and Ethel Boyes Elementary in Idaho Falls were canceled following unfounded gun threat rumors. The Idaho Falls School District acted swiftly after a student made a concerning comment. Although the threat was deemed noncredible, the district ensured safety and took disciplinary action against the student responsible. Rumors intensified during a school dance, prompting an investigation by the Idaho Falls Police Department. Classes resumed the next day for elementary students, while a special intervention was implemented for middle and high schoolers.
Idaho Falls Schools Cancel Classes Due to Gun Threat Rumors
Classes were abruptly canceled at Skyline High School, Eagle Rock Middle School, and Ethel Boyes Elementary in Idaho Falls on Thursday after a series of unfounded gun threat rumors emerged. School officials acted swiftly after a comment made by a student about a potential gun threat on Wednesday night raised alarms.
The Idaho Falls School District 91 confirmed that the statement was reported to the school resource officer, who subsequently investigated the claim. This investigation concluded that the threat was noncredible. Despite the lack of real danger, Superintendent Karla LaOrange indicated that the student responsible for the comment would face disciplinary action in accordance with district board policy.
Additionally, concerns were amplified when a separate rumor circulated during a school dance regarding a car in the vicinity that allegedly contained someone armed with a gun. The Idaho Falls Police Department is currently looking into this secondary report. The swift cancellation of classes was undertaken as a precautionary measure intended to maintain the safety of students and staff within the schools.
Response to the Threats
Superintendent LaOrange expressed gratitude for the cooperation of families during this tense situation and reaffirmed the district’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a secure environment for all students. It was later uncovered that the initial rumor involving a gun stemmed from a prank orchestrated by students from a rival high school engaging in antics involving Orbeez guns.
A report indicated that some students observed a car occupied by individuals wearing ski masks, who were believed to be participating in this prank amidst the ongoing activities of Emotion Bowl week. Investigators have confirmed that no actual firearm was involved in these incidents.
Resumption of Classes
Following Thursday’s cancellations, classes resumed the following day for elementary students. In contrast, middle and high school students were subject to an intervention schedule designed to address the incident and facilitate a smooth transition back to normalcy.
The Emotion Bowl event scheduled for Friday is set to proceed as planned, with officials indicating that there will be an increased police presence around the event to ensure the safety of all participants and attendees.
Background Information
The series of events that led to the disruption of classes highlights the sensitivity surrounding safety issues in educational environments. Schools across the nation have been increasingly vigilant due to the growing concern over gun violence. This emphasis on security measures often results in precautionary actions such as the temporary suspension of classes for the protection of students and staff.
Recent incidents have sparked discussions on how schools manage and respond to perceived threats and the implications of social media and rumor spreading within school communities. As schools navigate these challenges, collaboration with law enforcement and clear communication channels with families remain essential components of crisis management.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
