Safety message from Niles West Principal Karen Ritter

Dear Students, Teachers/Staff, and Parents/Families,

The safety of our school community is always our top priority, which is why I must inform you of a situation that came to light today involving a threatening message. A recent Snapchat group message has been circulating among students, alluding to a student using a “Mac,” which could be interpreted as a Mac gun.

We identified the students involved in the group chat and conducted an investigation, in addition to notifying local law enforcement. Through our investigation, we learned that the threatening message was sent as a response to a prior verbal altercation. Police are following up with the student who made the threat and the student’s parent/guardian.

Our Student Services Department is aware of the situation. If you need to speak with a counselor, social worker, or psychologist, please do not hesitate to contact one of them.

Please know that we take all situations seriously that could be threatening to our school community. We recognize that we have had a series of recent threatening messages communicated via social media. Students should not use threatening language, even in jest. We will enforce school discipline and work directly with law enforcement whenever students use language or exhibit behavior that poses a threat. We remain committed to providing our students with a safe, positive learning environment.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Karen M. Ritter

Niles West Principal