First Lehman…Now Hays High School Receives Gun And Violence Threats
Hays County has reported that it appears a “copy cat” threat at Hays High School yesterday afternoon.
Below are two different letters, one went to Hays High School parents and an additional letter to follow up with Lehman High School.
Here is the attendance information for Lehman High School today: 989 students were absent out of 2,235 students enrolled, which equals a 55.82% attendance rate today.
April 20, 2015
Dear Hays High School Parents,
This afternoon we discovered graffiti on a bathroom wall that indicated a threat against our school. There was no specific information contained in the threat. We believe it was written this afternoon and was likely a copycat note because of the attention the threat at Lehman High School has received. Our response to any and all threats is based on the type of threat received, what information the threat contains, and other factors.
As principal, I want you to know that the safety and security of our students is my first priority. At this time there is no danger to any students or staff at Hays High School. We are continuing normal operations and everyone is safe. As an added safety measure, additional law enforcement officials will be present on campus the remainder of the day. We will also have an increased presence throughout the week. Administrators and law enforcement officers have opened an investigation into who made the threat.
Making threats is not a joke, it is a crime. If you hear about anyone who is threatening to hurt themselves or others, please report it right away. If you have any information that may help this ongoing investigation, please reach out to me or any staff member, or contact Hays County Crime Stoppers (www.callcrimestoppers.com/campus.html).
Thank you for your understanding and patience in this matter. I appreciate your support of Jack C. Hays High School. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (512) 268-2911.
Sincerely,
David R. Pierce
Principal
April 20, 2015
Dear Lobo Parents,
I want to follow up with you regarding today’s threat against Lehman High School. I know such events can be unnerving and frightening. I am happy to report the day went smoothly considering the circumstances. We enjoy a strong partnership with law enforcement agencies and that relationship was evident today with all the support they provided. They will continue to be present in greater numbers on our campus the rest of the week and as long as we need them. We even have some of our parents who are police officers with the Austin Police Department who have generously volunteered their time to help.
Safety is always foremost on our list of priorities. Both before, and of course after, this incident; it will remain a chief concern. I can’t publicly reveal every safety measure in place, but I can tell you that our campus works with law enforcement agencies year-round to stay ahead of potential threats and to provide the safest possible environment. You can help play a large role in the safety of our campus by watching, listening, and reporting.
Regardless of the motivation for today’s threat – whether it was real, a prank, or an outcry for help – we must and will treat such threats seriously. If you have any information that may help the ongoing investigation, please reach out to me or any Lehman staff member, or contact Hays County Crime Stoppers (www.callcrimestoppers.com/campus.html).
If you know of any student suffering a personal crisis, please also reach out to me or a member of my staff. We have the Hays Hopeline available to report concerns via the Hays CISD web page (www.hayscisd.net/hopeline). Both services are also available through the Hays CISD smartphone app (available free at the Apple App Store on iTunes or on Google Play).
We have received a number of inquiries about whether absences today will be excused or unexcused. We are not able to mark these absences as excused. However, we will not use an unexcused absence today to trigger any referrals to truancy court for those who have exceeded the maximum number of allowed unexcused absences. And, we will allow students to make up their coursework without penalty of any kind.
I also want to remind our students and staff that they must have their ID on and visible at all times and be in dress code. These are additional measures that will ensure a safe and productive learning environment for our Lobos.
There are many people to thank for making today safe and productive. Our students deserve much credit. They were very cooperative, polite, and respectful, and I am proud of them. We also want to thank you for your understanding, trust, and partnership.
Sincerely,
Michelle Chae
Principal, LHS
