In recent days, there have been numerous cases of threats against schools and districts in the Houston area and across the nation, including Spring Branch ISD. These are considered terroristic threats, and they are not jokes. They are very serious matters which endanger the lives of others, waste valuable resources and could potentially cause mass panic in our communities.
Please take this opportunity to talk with your child and remind them that making a threat against a district, school or individual is a felony charge and will not be tolerated in Spring Branch ISD.
As stated in the Texas Penal Code, a terroristic threat that places the public in fear of serious bodily injury is a Third-Degree Felony. A false alarm or report is a State Jail Felony. Spring Branch ISD and the SBISD Police Department will prosecute any individual who threatens the safety of our students, staff or schools to the fullest extent of the law. A conviction for a third-degree felony in Texas could result in up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Students charged with making these types of threats will be disciplined in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct and to the highest extent of the law and our own SBISD rules and regulations. This could include expulsion from SBISD, placement in the district’s Alternative Education Program (DAEP), limited or no use of district technology or personal cell phone, limited to no access to campus or district events and/or extracurricular activities and/or requirement to use a clear backpack.
Parents, please be aware that we will hold you responsible for the actions of your child, should they threaten the safety of our students, staff or schools. We reserve the right to exclude you from any SBISD campus, or school or district activities. We will also take legal action where possible.
Also, as a reminder, no weapons of any kind are allowed on the premises of any SBISD campus or facility. Do not allow your child to bring anything to school that is a weapon or gives the appearance of being a weapon, even if it is a toy. Airsofts, pellet guns, BB guns and water guns are not allowed.
Safety and security is everyone’s responsibility. Take this opportunity to talk with your child not only about the severe consequences of making threats, but also about the important role they play in school safety and encourage them to follow our “See Something-Say Something” protocol.
Use the Anonymous Reporting link that is prominent on every campus website to share a concern, or information we need to know, or call the SBISD Police Department at 713-984-9805.
Your children’s safety, security and well-being will always be our highest priority. |