BREAKING: SLHS Increases Security After Threat

(Updated, Friday 10:44 a.m.)

South Lakes High School is under increased security today as a threat of violence at the school was discovered on social media on Thursday, said Principal Kim Retzer.

Sources said that after a fight this week in the 10th grade locker pod, one student said on social media he would bring a gun to school.

There was much chatter about that on tumblr and Twitter Thursday night, and parents and students alerted the school. Many sophomores told their parents they wanted to skip first period Friday due to fear.

The student who originally posted the threats was intercepted by the school security officer this morning, sources said.

Parents and students received this memo from Retzer this morning:

A threat directed at South Lakes High School was discovered on social media yesterday.  Fairfax County Police were notified and determined the threat was not credible but, as a precaution, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Fairfax County Police have provided additional assistance for the school.

This, of course, raises the issue of the appropriate use of social media and how the irresponsible use of these tools can waste resources and cause unnecessary concern and anxiety. We hope this information will put to rest any rumors that continue to persist regarding this incident.

The anonymity provided by certain applications only complicates our efforts to provide a safe and non-threatening learning environment. We will continue to have discussions with students about appropriate uses of technology and supervise technology usage in school. However, we need your assistance as much of this activity takes place outside the school day when students are not under our supervision.

The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. The adults responsible for keeping students safe can do their jobs more effectively, if students are willing to report problems or suspicious behavior and I encourage you to engage your children in discussions about maintaining a safe school environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school office.

Kim Retzer
Principal