Jackson school officials and police say there is no threat to students or staff after social media posts about a school fight, a photo of a person with a gun, and a medical helicopter prompted concern ahead of graduation.
Jackson Township school officials are assuring families that there is no threat to students or staff after social media posts circulating Wednesday night raised concerns about safety at Jackson Township High School.
In a message to families Thursday morning, the Jackson School District said it delayed releasing information until law enforcement completed initial investigative steps and confirmed there was no danger to the school community.
“While the Jackson Police Department confirmed with us last night that they were certain there was no threat to students or staff today, the information below could not be released to families until this morning so as not to interfere with their actions and the processes related to their investigation,” the district said.
Social media posts prompted investigation
According to the district, administrators became aware Wednesday night of posts circulating online that included video of a fight at Jackson Township High School, a photograph showing an individual off campus holding a firearm inside a vehicle, and claims that a medical helicopter landing at the high school was connected to a threatening situation.
The district said it immediately worked with the Jackson Police Department to investigate the reports.
“Law enforcement informed the District last night that the situation is being handled by authorities and that there is no threat to the safety of our students or staff,” the district said.
Officials added that the altercation shown in the video is being addressed separately by school administrators under the district’s Code of Conduct.
Medical helicopter unrelated to school incident
The district also addressed speculation surrounding a medical helicopter that landed on one of the school’s athletic fields Wednesday afternoon.
Officials said the helicopter made an emergency landing while responding to a medical emergency in nearby Lakewood and was not connected to the school, its students, or the police investigation.
“The landing had nothing to do with the Jackson School District, our students, our staff, or any school-related incident,” the district said.
School officials urged families to rely on information released by the district and law enforcement rather than social media rumors.
“If there was any reason for concern for our last days of school or for today’s graduation ceremony, we would not hesitate to act, and to inform you,” the district said. “We appreciate the swift response from the Jackson Police Department in this matter and we are confident the matter is being handled and all is well.”
Key Points
• Jackson Police and school officials said there is no threat to students or staff following reports circulating on social media.
• The investigation involved a school fight, a photo of an individual with a firearm off campus, and rumors surrounding a medical helicopter landing.
• The district said the helicopter was responding to a medical emergency in nearby Lakewood and was not related to any incident at the high school.