Smithville Elementary School

Dear Ritchie County Community:

Ritchie County Schools is aware of misinformation circulating on social media regarding an alleged incident involving a weapon at our high school yesterday. There was no weapon discovered at the school, there was no evidence that a student brought a weapon to school, nor was there a threat involving a weapon. Additionally, no student was escorted from the school in handcuffs.

Unfortunately, inaccurate information about the situation was subsequently shared publicly on social media. Law enforcement is aware and reviewing those public comments.

We understand that reports involving school safety understandably cause concern for families and our community, and we have protocols which include communication. Ritchie County Schools takes every report or concern seriously and follows established procedures to investigate potential threats and involve law enforcement when appropriate. At the same time, sharing unverified information on social media can create unnecessary fear and confusion for students, families, employees, and the broader community.

Our schools are safe, and there is no known threat related to this matter. We encourage all parents, students, and community members who have concerns about school safety to contact school administrators or law enforcement directly rather than relying on or spreading unverified information on social media.

The safely and well-being of our students and employees remains our highest priority.

Sincerely,

April Haught