The following message was emailed to all Olmsted Falls High School parents by Principal Holly Schafer at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, February 23rd:

Dear OFHS Parents:

The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our #1 top priority.  As we wrap up this week and approach the end of the school day, I wanted to reach out personally and provide parents with an update relating to school safety.  With the recent tragic events in the news and the broader discussion occurring nationally about school safety, tension in our high school building has been understandably high this week. In addition to the situation we emailed all parents about yesterday, we have been dealing with multiple other reports of concerns from students throughout the day today.  It is important to us that you as parents know that ALL reported threats are taken seriously, and that multiple school administration and local law enforcement resources are put into motion as each report is investigated.  

Not one of the reported concerns we have investigated in the course of the last 24 hours has been a credible threat.  I want OFHS parents to know that all reports of concerns have been investigated and all future reports of concerns will be investigated.  I also want to again reiterate to parents that no credible threats have been found.  Again, we take the safety and security of our Bulldog family - our students and our staff - very seriously and would not be in session if a credible threat existed.  I want to thank the Olmsted Township Police Department for its diligence and for the additional resources that were in place at our building today to help students and their parents feel more comfortable.  Please note that your students will continue to notice an increased police presence as they leave campus today.

I also want to make high school parents aware that during all lunch periods today, Officer Joe English, our School Resource Officer (SRO) at OFHS, spoke briefly with students on the two important topics of social media posts and the concept of “see something, say something.” 

Regarding social media.  It is critical that students understand that posting things on social media that they think is "just a joke" is NOT a responsible practice.  All social media posts of concern -- joke or no joke -- are investigated and can result in real-world consequences including criminal charges and prosecution to the full extent of the law.  We especially need for students to understand the full ramifications of irresponsible social media posts, and we request your assistance by asking that you please have follow-up conversations on this topic at home this weekend.

Regarding “see something, say something.”  All students continue to be encouraged to share information about things that they see or hear that cause them any concern.  Whether it is a post on social media, something they read online, overhear in the hallway, learn about from a from a friend, or directly observe a behavior of concern -- students are encouraged to contact a building administrator, School Resource Officer English, a teacher or another trusted adult if there is something that needs to be brought to our attention.  We are very proud of our students who have embraced the “see something, say something” practice that we encourage here, and we commend those who have brought forth the concerns we have been dealing with yesterday and today.

I encourage you to take another opportunity to speak with your student(s) this weekend about the importance of being responsible with social media, as well as the importance of speaking up whenever they have concerns.  Together we will take care of one another and all be better for it.

Thank you for your time, and for your continuing support of Olmsted Falls High School.

Have a nice weekend!

Sincerely,

Holly J. Schafer
Principal, OFHS