Online threat rumors cancel classes Friday at school districts throughout Oakland, Wayne
School districts across Oakland and Wayne counties canceled classes Friday, Dec. 3, treating the day like a snow day in winter.
The cancellations follow continuing rumors circulating on social media of possible violence. School closings Thursday were more sporadic with Oakland County districts more likely to be closed.
Closed school district in the northwest suburbs of Detroit include:
- Birmingham Public Schools
- Bloomfield Hills Schools
- Clarenceville School District
- Farmington Public Schools
- Huron Valley Schools
- Novi Community School District
- South Lyon Community Schools
- Livonia Public Schools
- Northville Public Schools
- Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
- Wayne-Westland Community School District
Farmington Public Schools and Novi Community School District canceled classes for students on Monday, Dec. 6, as well.
“If you’re making threats, we’re going to find you,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said during a news conference Thursday, specifically called to address the estimated hundreds of copycat threats reported. “It is ridiculous you’re inflaming the fears and passion of parents, teachers, and the community in the midst of a real tragedy.”
More:Slew of copycat threats across metro region trouble administrators, parents
More:Past threats of school violence in metro Detroit have resulted in jail time, fines
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In Birmingham, authorities found a threatening message with the word "Groves" in it, which was taken to mean the district's high school in Beverly Hills. In a letter to the district, Superintendent Embekka Roberson said the post was investigated and authorities determined it not to be credible. Regardless, the district decided to cancel classes Friday as students and staff continue to process the week's events. Roberson said the day would be used to provide additional training with employees, as well as professional learning around social-emotional supports for students.
She said the support she saw in the buildings after the shooting at Oxford High School was inspirational.
"It was heartening to visit with students and staff that welcomed their routine schedule with staff, friends, and class lessons," she wrote. "For others, I could see their anxiety but also watched as colleagues supported one another and our students with words of encouragement and reassurance. Yet, at each of our buildings, it was clear that our collective thoughts remain with Oxford students, teachers, and staff who were impacted by the devastating events."
School officials are encouraging students, parents and other community members to use a hotline for suspicious behavior.
One option is the State of Michigan's OK2SAY tip line by calling 1-855-565-2729, emailing ok2say@mi.gov or texting to 652729. It is available around the clock for anyone in the community to report safety concerns.