Saints Families,
Late yesterday evening, St. James Public Schools worked with the St. James Police Department on a report made to the school after hours regarding a report of a possible weapon at the school. An investigation began last night by the St. James Police Department to determine if there had been a weapon at school. It was determined that there wasn’t a weapon. Our school investigation continued this morning with interviews to assess the entire situation and understand what was really going on. We again were able to determine there was not a weapon at school.
The School District was able to conclude that a student did say, “I’m going to shoot you” to another student. Language like this is what starts an investigation that the School District, St. James Police Department, and Watonwan County Sheriff’s Department take very, very seriously. Comments like this will prompt investigators to visit households, interviews to be conducted by Law Enforcement and the School District Administration, and result in disciplinary action and possible legal charges. As each family reads about this situation, we ask all of our families to talk with their children about the importance of not saying things like this to other students regardless of context.
At this time, we know our schools to be safe. St. James Police Department will be visible at and around school as a precaution. I want to personally remind our students and families to immediately alert law enforcement, administration, and/or other school personnel when comments like this are made so that we can investigate, alert all needed authorities, and work to keep our schools a safe and healthy learning environment.
In Saints pride,
Dr. Steven Heil, Superintendent