A report says that South Milwaukee Police have arrested a student from their high school after a reported “hit list” was discovered.
From TODAY’S TMJ4’s Mary Jo Ola:
JUST IN: South Milwaukee School District confirms a high school student wrote up a hit list. Working with police they deemed there was no threat to student safety. Student is in police custody. pic.twitter.com/gQn7Ltny54
— Mary Jo Ola (@MaryJoOlaTV) November 14, 2019
Parents extremely concerned. Some say they didn’t receive any notification. District says a mass email was sent out and they will look into their system if there was a delay.
— Mary Jo Ola (@MaryJoOlaTV) November 14, 2019
The following is the letter sent to student families from the superintendent.
Dear Parent or Guardian, I want to take this opportunity to reassure parents and students about the safety of South Milwaukee High School and share with you some brief information about an event that happened this morning.
It was reported to high school administration that a student created a “hit list” that included the names of students and staff members. When the list was discovered, we took it very seriously and involved the South Milwaukee Police Department. The SMPD’s investigation of this incident determined that there is no threat to student or staff safety. The student who produced the list is in custody.
This event represents a teachable moment for our children. We recognize that our young people may not understand the consequences of their actions. Please talk to your children about the seriousness of making any threat that pertains to the safety or security of our schools, our students, and our staff.
Encourage them to talk to you or any staff member if they become aware of their friends making poor choices at school. Children may mistakenly think that writing a “hit list” is funny or they may use it as a way to get attention. Help your son or daughter avoid choices that could compromise their future.
The School District of South Milwaukee takes threats such as this very seriously. Students who threaten school safety are subject to school discipline up to, and including expulsion. Students making threats such as this are also subject to arrest by the South Milwaukee Police Department.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jeff Weiss
Superintendent
Shorewood High School was closed Wednesday after a similar “hit list” case involving a student.