Whitko High School will have extra security measures in place Wednesday.
A note was found Tuesday that indicated a shooting would occur at the school. After police investigation, the student who allegedly wrote the note was found.
A post on the school district’s Facebook page says the student that wrote the note will face consequences of both the legal authorities and the school.
The threat came as nationwide walkouts are planned for high school students. Of area schools, Whitko High School is the only to confirm a walk out is scheduled for students at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday.
A statement from Principal John Snyder sent to News Now Warsaw says the students will gather in the gym to stand with emergency responders in a show of unity. He says a short tribute to the victims of the shooting in Parkland, Florida will also take place, along with a moment of silence.
“I believe, when it comes to making our community safer, students and staff should have a voice,” Snyder wrote.
The statement from Whitko High School Principal John Synder gave some additional details:
“Our purpose is to show solidarity with other students across the nation and to honor the victims of school violence, our unified message, as a school community, is this:
We all want to be safer
We want meaningful dialogue that leads to real solutions, not political rhetoric.
Please do something. Let’s make a difference.
This will not be about gun control or anything that would divide us. This is simply about safety for all students and staff.
This has been student led, and they have worked with me (John Snyder) throughout the process. I am proud of our student leadership on this.”
Other Kosciusko County schools do not seem to have walkouts or other events planned Wednesday.
Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent David Hoffert told News Now Warsaw on Tuesday he is unaware of any students planning to participate in a walk out at Warsaw Community High School.
Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation Superintendent Brett Boggs says their administrative team discussed a potential walkout, and want to make sure the day does not turn into any type of negative confrontational situation.
Boggs says Tippecanoe Valley Middle School Principal Scott Backus talked to student leaders to discuss an alternative to a walkout, like a memorial or advocacy activity, but a decision has not been made on what students would like to do, if anything.
Tippecanoe Valley High School Principal Chad Cripe met will student leaders about a potential walkout as well. As of Tuesday, there was no plan by the students to participate, but if they decide to they are allowed to go to the main gym for approximately 15 minutes with no penalty.
