Vague school shooting threats have some Johnston parents worried

As if sending your kid to school wasn’t tough enough lately, a vague nationwide threat has further increased parental worry across Johnston.

School districts across Rhode Island have been investigating online posts, which appear to threaten non-specific targets with school shootings on Friday, Dec. 17.

Johnston Schools Assistant Superintendent Julie-anne Zarrella emailed parents this week regarding the latest threat.

“There are TikTok videos circulating throughout the country suggesting that there will be school shootings on Dec. 17,” Zarrella wrote to parents. “The Rhode Island Fusion Center follows a variety of communication outlets to assess threats to our state. At this time, no real threats have been recognized. We have spoken with the Johnston Police Department and concur that while no evidence suggests that there is any danger to our students or staff, out of an abundance of caution (there will be an increased police) presence around the schools.”

After a week of virus-induced turmoil, parents took to Facebook Thursday night and Friday morning voicing frustrations with what seems to be an ever-growing onslaught of stress connected to sending children to school.

“Parents should have age-appropriate conversations with their children about the various threats and challenges that are circulating on social media and particularly on TikTok,” Zarrella wrote to parents. “In the last couple of weeks, students have damaged fairly new chairs with one particular challenge. While chairs can be repaired or replaced, other challenges may be dangerous or may put others in danger. Threats of any form will be taken seriously and may lead to disciplinary or police action.”

North Providence Superintendent Joseph Goho also sent a message to that town’s school community.

“As you may be aware from recent media reports, information has been circulating in other states and nationally on various social media platforms such as TikTok, concerning threats against schools on Dec. 17,” Goho wrote. “Please be assured that we have been in frequent contact with the North Providence Police Department, and although there have been no specific threats involving any (Rhode Island) school, the matter is being treated seriously. NPPD is working proactively with the school department, and has implemented appropriate action steps in response to the information. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your child’s principal directly.”

This story will be updated if more information becomes available.